Abstract

Life expectancy in good health has never stopped increasing in wealthy countries. This extension is equivalent to an increase of youth duration rather than to an increase of old age. Why do we grow old? Is there a limit to human longevity? Have we reached this limit? Jean-Claude Ameisen, member of the French Comité Consultatif Nationale d'Éthique, answers our questions emphasising the important role played by the environment on life expectancy and quality.