There is something to be said for living in perfect health until one drops. But part of the marketing of stem cells, is about extending the natural life span. I don't like that aspect. That is really letting the genie out of the bottle. Heck we could have a Senate with 100 Strom Thurmonds.
That point of view is virtually certain to be outvoted. The history of such things suggests very strongly that human nature is such that whenever a new technology comes along that offers the possibility of a better or more comfortable life, people will use it, and use it to the absolute fullest extent possible, consequences be damned. Then again, someone has to play the part of Cassandra - it never works, but someone's gotta do it ;)
Well, I have more noted that the marketing is based on the hope of a healthy life span rather than an extended one.
There comes a time when we die mostly because we just wear out if nothing intervenes to drag it out. I think the hope of stem cell research if for the diseases of age that ruin life rather than an extension of a normal life span. Altzheimers, Parkinsonism, kidney failure.
And is a natural life span interfered with by chronic debilitating diseases. I don't want to dodder on into my nineties. But I want my sixties, seventies and early 80's to be pain free and mobile. If my mind goes, that is okay.
With fully pickled and preserved stem cells no less.