Added Quote by S. Jay Olshansky
“While eliminating smallpox and curtailing cholera added decades of life to vast populations, cures for the chronic diseases of old age cannot have the same effect on life expectancy. A cure for cancer would be miraculous and welcome, but it would lead to only a three-year increase in life expectancy at birth.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Limits of Medical Progress, date unknown
Curing chronic diseases will extend lifespan only modestly, unlike past successes against infectious diseases which dramatically increased life expectancy
In simple terms: Even a cancer cure would add only about three years to average lifespan
Key Takeaway
Recognize the modest gains of chronic disease cures on life expectancy
Themes
public health
longevity
medical expectations
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
scientific
policy discussion
When to use this quote
- health policy
- research funding
- public expectations
Key Concepts
diminishing returns
population health
aging
Questions to Reflect On
- What expectations should society have for future medical advances?
- How can we balance resources between infectious and chronic disease research?
A Different Perspective
Medical breakthroughs may not dramatically shift overall lifespan
