What is the most medically advanced nation w/ regards to anti-aging?

[FitFossil]

I live in the U.S., and while we might like to think we're so medically advanced, it always seems certain "breakthrough" drugs, treatments, etc. have been used elsewhere for YEARS before they ever get through all the red tape here (that's if they ever do). While some of the red tape may be safety testing, it seems the definition of "safety" is being transformed from human safety to mean the safety of certain industies.

 

[MS]

It's a conspiracy!

Seriously though between the FDA's anal-retentive desire to 'protect' the US public, and the fact that huge conglomerate pharmacetical companies hold the government by their testicles, it's pretty hard to get drugs from smaller companies approved. The anti-drug mentality of the government also doesn't help, nor does the realization that extending human life=higher health care costs, higher populations and generally less resources to go around. Add to all of that the outright bribery that gets thrown at doctors to prescribe certain drugs and you have a bad situation in terms of people trying to take responsibility for their own health (not that most people bother anyway). But still it would be nice to have more choice.

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

FF -- good thought provoking topic. Not sure that US is the only government guilty of it but since we are the leader in capitalism I am sure we are at the top of that list. Unfortunate really.

I think I remember reading somewhere, that Sweden or Switzerland...was far advanced in terms of healthcare and antiaging....but this was a long time ago and I am just really scratching at my head trying to recall the information.

 

[wilson6]

Any country where they consume mostly fish and a lot of vegetables, and walk or ride a bike to most places they go on a daily basis.

W6

 

[SteelWeaver]

Mmph! That's Japan to a tee. And there are some oooooollld people here

And in this same vein, surely it's not about drugs, but about lifestyle?

 

[MS]

"And in this same vein, surely it's not about drugs, but about lifestyle?"


My round about point exactly ("in terms of people trying to take responsibility for their own health (not that most people bother anyway..........)"

If western countries took a tiny fraction of the money they currently spend on drug development, marketing and consumption and spent it on educationg and enforcing better lifestyles, we woudn't need anti-aging drugs. I promise you it ain't gonna happen though.

 

[FitFossil]

My point in this thread is that I don't want is to outlive my mind and body's usefulness. I'm more interested in living WELL than living long, and I'm willing to accept whatever trade-offs, including the possible risks of using myself as a guinea pig, (but only with capable guidance).

 

[SteelWeaver]

Most of the old folks I see here in Japan are very active and appear to enjoy good quality of life. They walk or cycle places, do tai chi or stretching type activities early in the morning in the park, carry all their groceries home, and most importantly, it would appear, have a very well-developed sense of community - most of these activities are carried out in chatty groups. Besides good food and exercise, a network of social support seems to be quite important for aging well (??)

Sorry MS, I sort of skipped over that bit.

 

[teirrah]

Mmm but as far as Japan goes I think the elderly represent a dying breed. Certainly they are much more sprightly and active than their European counterparts but middle aged and young Japanese don't live healthy lifestyles. They eat a lot of junk, don't exercise, smoke heavily and drink a lot. I'll bet my last yen that Japan's present levels of longevity and quality of those silver years will plummet during the next 20 years.

 

[MS]

I absolutely agree teirrah. "Modern" Japan (ie the younger generation) are in at least as big a trouble as your average American in terms of shitty diet, lifestyle, and risk of associated chronic disease probs.

Japanese medical researchers see and acknowledge this problem. The rest of Japanese doctors and public (just like the rest of the west) refuses to see the looming health crisis ensuing.

Almost no one left on earth follows the 'old ways' or has any respect for the wisdom of their elders. This is the biggest tragedy that humankind has ever had to face IMHO. Even more frightening is the downright suspiscion and rejection of any kind of modern scientific thinking or experimentation into issues of disease prevention, treatment, etc....