In this episode of Optispan, three leading voices in ageing research – Dr. Aubrey de Grey, Dr. Brian Kennedy, and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein – discuss the concept of longevity escape velocity (LEV), the theoretical point where medical advances extend life faster than we age. They explore scientific, societal, and ethical considerations, offering insights into how close we might be to achieving it and what steps are needed to get there.

Key Points:

Longevity escape velocity could be within reach if science, funding, and public support align. Achieving it may transform human health and lifespan, but it requires tackling scientific, social, and ethical challenges head-on.

• Defining Longevity Escape Velocity: LEV refers to a rate of medical progress where each year of research delivers more than a year of added healthy life, potentially enabling indefinite lifespans.
• Current Scientific Progress: The experts review advances in geroscience – from cellular rejuvenation to senolytics – that could contribute to reaching LEV, while noting the gaps that still exist in translating lab results to humans.
• Timelines and Predictions: Aubrey de Grey remains optimistic about reaching LEV within decades, while Kennedy and Kaeberlein caution that timelines depend on sustained funding, research breakthroughs, and public engagement.
• Challenges Beyond Science: They highlight regulatory hurdles, the need for large-scale human trials, and societal readiness to adopt life-extension interventions.
• Ethics and Access: Ensuring equitable access to anti-ageing therapies is seen as critical, to avoid widening health disparities and to build public trust.
• Call to Action: The panel agrees that collaboration across disciplines, increased investment in geroscience, and public advocacy are essential to accelerate progress toward LEV.