Rejuvenation is distinct from life extension. Life extension studies the causes of aging and tries to oppose those causes in order to slow aging. Rejuvenation is the reversal of aging and thus requires a different strategy, namely repair of the damage that is associated with aging or replacement of damaged tissue with new tissue. Soon we will reach the stage were the only cause of death will be age related degeneration of the muscle and tissue. And if that was not enough, artificial organs will be available. But, what about the brain? The brain is going to be the hardest organ in the body to rejuvenate. We could decide to replace it, but if a new brain is put into your body, you are a different person, or you are the same person but with a different body. And at the end it would still be life extension.
The brain is made up of cells. The number of neurons in the brain could be anything from 10 billion to 200 billion. And the number of neurological support cells could be anything from 5 to 100 times the number of neurons. So the number of cells could be anything from half a trillion or more. And they are all aging all the time. Therefore brain rejuvenation is not for tomorrow….
Better to use it the best way we can, painting, learning, singing, smiling keeping our eyes wide open, loving, caring and singing with Bob Dylan:
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young.