I think this article conflates two different concepts. Cosmetic dermatology on the one hand, and longevity science on the other. What they are really talking about is age-old focus on cosmetic beauty (and indications of youthful fertility):
in Dallas. She’s in her late 40s and tells me that the pressure to remain youthful in her city is palpable. Almost completely irresistible. “You don’t know what it’s like here,” she said. “Everyone has a facelift if they can afford one and everyone has had some work done. I’m a feminist to the core, but if I had the money, I would get a deep-plane facelift in a heartbeat. I’m saving up to get my neck done.”
Then they go on to conflate this with the longevity / healthspan science-focused field which is all about preventing disease and extending healthy longevity.
Yes - the cosmetic “anti-aging” field is trying to gain scientific legitimacy by calling itself “longevity”, but it really has little to do with the biology of aging; its all about looking good.
Sure, there is some overlap as if you are slowing the biology of aging you will also maintain your “looks” longer, but I see that as more of a nice side effect than the focus of all these longevity biotech companies.
Nah, I would rather look like 30 until I am 90 and then die than live to be 90 and look like 90. Given a choice, I would choose to look like I did at 30 and have a slightly shorter life.
Why am I thinking this? I just returned from my gym, where “girls that’s just dying to meet you…” If you’re 30ish. ![]()
Oh no longevity is an “ism”, I guess we better decay then…