Imagine, says Ostberg, if it becomes possible to simply switch off the aging gene? “If we can control this switch, we’ve effectively solved the ageing problem. AI is allowing for the discovery of all the variables and mutations that could occur as we experiment with genetics and ageing. A digital twin can be used to see how your body will react to any changes made to your genetic structure so there’s no risk to your health.”
Of course, there’s the Frankenstein dilemma—what happens if tweaking one gene triggers unexpected changes elsewhere? However, on the other hand, AI, data, and digital twins could be used to personalize treatments, such as pain management and drug interactions based on an individual’s size, age, and weight. People are already embracing this vision: they want to be younger, faster, fitter. Age has come to be seen as a burden, and the pursuit of longevity remains one of humanity’s greatest priorities. “Humans have been around for 300,000 years and initially had an average life expectancy of 25 years, by the 1800s it was 40 years, and from 1880 to today, this has doubled,” Paul Pagnato, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Humanaut Health told attendants at Singularity University South Africa. “Today, the number of centenarians is around 40,000 people living quality lives, and over the next 20-30 years, this is expected to quadruple. And most people would be like to be one of those who live these long, healthy lives.”