A case of quality vs. quantity Final Edition

• Published in: Regina sun
• Main Author: Collins, Kent S
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Regina, Sask Postmedia Network Inc 03.10.2004
• ISSN: 1181-3768

DEAR MRS. N.: No doubt many individuals are anxious about how long they will live. It is a personal thing. People think of life expectancy in a selfish manner. Every comment and report leads a person to wonder, "Will I live long or short of the life expectancy measure?" Scientists talk about life expectancy as a serious game. They try to manipulate it. For most scientists, long life is the result of successful manipulation, winning the game and/or good science. Laboratory experiments and statistical research create careers that give scientists their identities. Also, the experiments and research lead to wellness programs, wonder drugs and treatment models to help people live long. This is the career calling of scientists. Researchers Alicia H. Munnell, Robert E. Hatch and James G. Lee of the Boston College Center For Retirement Research had this to report: "Increases in life expectancy at 65 have been a major contributor to the rising cost of the U.S. Social Security system, and assumptions about future improvements in life expectancy at 65 are a crucial component of cost projections. Since the program was introduced roughly 60 years ago, life expectancy at 65 for both males and females has increased about 30 per cent."