How Technology Is Extending Human Life

The average human lifespan could surpass 100 years. Biotech companies are hard at work, transforming our previous expectations of both quality and length of human life.

While many of these innovations are ‘still in the works,’ investments and innovations are revolutionizing reality. It is time to update what we may have considered normal.

Four key trends stand out that are at the intersection of innovation, technology, and medical advances.

In a Bank of America investment report, key trends emerge that both offer tremendous opportunity for investors, and tremendous hope for humans.

Hold On To Your Hat

When first reading this, you might find your hat flying off. Or your jaw dropping open.

“Medical knowledge will double every 73 days by 2020 vs. every 3.5 years in 2010.”

“Genomic sequencing costs have fallen 99.999% since 2003.”

“This has enabled a new frontier in precision medicine to further extend life expectancy, heralding a ‘techmanity’ (technology meets humanity) revolution.”

These quotes are from Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts.

Technology Meets Humanity

A true meeting of technology and humanity is a beautiful idea, don’t you think?

Yet, not everyone would agree. Perhaps something is in the way of seeing the beauty. It could be a mental framework. It could be a knee-jerk reaction, labeling technology being inhuman. It could be irritation at the disruption of a familiar way of life.

• How can innovation enhance quality of life?
• How can technology help us live better and live longer?
• How can medical technology help us prevent diseases before they occur?
• How can wearable technology support health and wellness?

But with a life-enhancing partnership of technology and humanity, a whole new way of thinking emerges.

Instead of viewing technology as an enemy, innovation takes us to a more spacious understanding. A peaceful place. A place where we let down the swords and shields. We can look at the opportunity to use technology to support life, enhance health, and lengthen lifespan.

That’s exactly what many innovative companies are doing.

Here are 4 of the trends that could impact the quality and length of our lives. According to the analysts at the Bank of America, these technology trends could dramatically impact life on earth:

Genomics. Artificial Intelligence. Ammortality. Moonshot Medicine.

Genomics

This is the study of the human genome, and it’s expected to be a $41 billion industry by 2025.

This is the area for advancing disease research, developing new drugs, and creating molecular tests. This technology could offer revolutionary advances in prevention and disease treatments.

Companies in the genomics sphere include Illumina genome sequencer, Agilent lab instrument manufacturer, and Danaher life science equipment maker.

Just thinking about it, is exhilarating. What if diseases that were previously thought untreatable become preventable? What if debilitating problems can be prevented, and/or treated? A whole new space of life opens up. A new vista emerges.

Artificial Intelligence

Health-care data and artificial intelligence seems like a match made in heaven. Researchers are able to analyze vast amounts of data, understand patters, and potentially identify cause for pathology.

The results could be precision medicine, lower health care costs, and improvements in diagnosis.

While AI may sound kind of science-fiction-like, it is something that is becoming more and more commonplace. When you think of the benefits, it’s encouraging to realize this is a place for abundant and powerful transformation.

Ammortality

Are you looking to improve health span and lifespan? No doubt, you are. That’s what health-care technology firms are looking to do as well.

Living well is not the same as living forever. More and more people are looking to technology for solutions to live freer of disease, rather than forever.

Think about it. We are now used to hearing people discuss getting knees replaced, hips replaced and shoulders replaced. With these advances, they are participating in sports they did in their youth. Many patients are astounded that they can do things they thought were ‘off the table’ for their current age.

Companies like Intuitive Surgical are designing robotic-assisted surgery tools. Zimmer is offering hope and health to patients with their joint replacements and orthopedic devices.

We’re getting used to these advances. And, I bet you’ll agree, we’re looking for more.

Moonshot Medicine

Revolutions in healthcare are the ones you hear about and say, “Now, we’re talking!”

Illumina, Sangamo, Vertex Pharma and Neurocrine are at the edge of revolutionary solutions. These companies are innovating cures and treatments for humanity’s biggest problems. Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s. Cystic fibrosis.

While many of the experts on aging are preparing for managing an increasing number of patients with these diseases, innovative technology companies are taking a different strategy. They are working on revolutionary healthcare solutions to beat these diseases in ways we have not even conceived of.

Delaying disease. Preventing disease. Treating disease. If you’re looking for the Holy Grail, technology companies are looking for it too. Technology has the capacity to transform our lives, creating a greater quality of life, and a longer quality lifespan.

According to Bank of America analysts, companies working to delay human death is a market that is expected to be worth at least $600 billion by 2025.

Assistance Club Summary

Living healthy and living longer is a top priority for most people. If you’re looking for the holy grail of life extension and life quality, check out new innovations in technology.

The future of a healthier and longer life may be closer than we thought.