Panacea is Coming: 7 Lifestyles for Longevity Escape Velocity

Sources: Advances in technology and medicine could enable indefinite human lifespans within the next few decades. This prospect raises many questions about how society will function and how people will spend their time if work is no longer necessary for survival. Different lifestyle choices will emerge, from urban socialites seeking constant excitement to rural hermits looking for solitude. Intentional communities like communes and “natal pods“ may become more common as people come together around shared interests and purposeful childrearing. Some may choose a globetrotting adventurer lifestyle, while others fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds and gaming. Engaging in mastery of crafts and hands-on creation could provide fulfillment for those less interested in travel or gaming. However, problems could emerge in a society of vastly extended lifespans. Rule by a gerontocracy, where positions of power are monopolized by the elderly, may occur if term limits are not instituted. Wealth and resources could become heavily consolidated by those who have accumulated assets over centuries. Cultural stagnation could set in if new ideas and innovations are stifled. Overpopulation or demographic collapse due to lower birth rates are also potential issues. Corporations may capture too many benefits of extended lifespans if policies do not provide for equal access. To avoid these pitfalls, advocacy for post-labor economics is needed. Jobs, income, and resources should be decoupled from employment through automation and redistribution of wealth. Artificial intelligence should advance as a public good, used to eliminate repetitive jobs and empower innovation. Businesses should adopt AI to automate operations rather than relying on human labor. Politicians who support these goals should be elected. Medical research and AI development focused on longevity should be encouraged. But pursuit of indefinite lifespans should also consider quality of life and purpose. Lifestyle choices should nurture community, growth, and contribution. A diversity of fulfilling lifestyles are possible in a world of longevity abundance. With sound policies and shared dreams, human lifespans could move beyond current limits, opening new vistas of potential.