Estate Planning

Immortality - Closer Than We Think?

By Hull & Hull LLP

A recent article in the Toronto Star discusses the possibility of immortality.  Not just a distant possibility, but a real possibility within our lifetimes.  It even suggests that the first 1000 year olds are almost certainly already alive.  According to the article, there is the possibility that we would simply replace our bodies as they deteriorate.  If this process goes according to the theories of scientist Ray Kurzwell, we would not stop the aging process, but merely transfer our brain contents into a newer body.  The reality of this makes me cringe.  Does this mean that my grandma would suddenly look like a sister?  Its a little too much to digest.

This article goes on to mention that recently the Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded to American scientists for research on the "immortality enzyme".  This enzyme allows cells to multiply without damage.  It shows promise in the fight against cancer, but apparently also holds great promise in the fight against mortality.

The implications of immortality on an estates practice are rather obvious.  However, the realities of living forever are not.  I can't even begin to imagine the global impact this would have on our society, or how we would adapt.  A life without end still seems a far fetched idea to me.  I suppose only time will tell.

Nadia

Nadia M. Harasymowycz - Click here for more information Nadia Harasymowycz.

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on November 17, 2009 (boomark / email).