Questioning the Limits: Discussion on Immortality Proposed by Putin and Xi

In a recent discussion at a Beijing summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping broached the intriguing topic of humans living past 150 years or even achieving immortality. This conversation comes as both leaders, who are both 72 years old, have shown interest in fending off the effects of aging.

The conversation has sparked a renewed interest in the pursuit of eternal life, a goal that tech figure Bryan Johnson has been pursuing for some time. Johnson, known for his work in the tech industry, has tested various anti-aging theories on himself. However, mainstream scientists have been critical of such longevity efforts, warning they lack scientific rigour and could be dangerous.

The debate on the human lifespan limit is ongoing, with scientists yet to reach a consensus. Some argue that there is no biological limit to human lifespan, while others suggest that there may be one. Despite this, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a human could live forever.

However, recent scientific advances have raised hopes we could one day fight back against ageing, particularly in the field of epigenetics. Research published in the journal Aging Cell in June found that the drug rapamycin, which appears to affect epigenetic ageing, has helped extend the lifespan of several animals, including mice. Other drugs like Metformin, Rapamycin, and Resveratrol are also being studied for their potential to influence the epigenetic age and aging processes, potentially extending human healthspan.

Clinical studies are exploring the effects of these drugs on diseases like Alzheimer’s and frailty, with evidence suggesting that biological age can be reversed or slowed through such interventions. This is a promising development, as the focus should be on extending the number of years in good health, according to researchers.

The Silicon Valley-led transhumanist movement, including billionaire Peter Thiel, has a preoccupation with longevity. Putin himself has shown interest, with Russia launching a 38-billion-ruble (RM1.9 billion) project last year focused on regenerative medicine and longevity.

However, not everyone is convinced. Eric Boulanger, a professor of biology and aging at France's Lille University, stated that Putin's suggestion of regularly replacing organs to become younger is pure madness. He is not alone in his skepticism, as some researchers have warned that data about extreme longevity could be misleading, citing cases of forged birth certificates for pension fraud.

As the debate on human lifespan continues, it is clear that the pursuit of eternal life remains a fascinating and complex issue. France’s Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 in 1997, holds the record for the oldest confirmed age, a testament to the mysteries of human longevity that still remain to be unraveled.

Despite progress in most areas of health, human longevity records have not been broken in recent years. This underlines the need for continued research and a scientifically rigorous approach to the pursuit of longevity. As the conversation around human immortality continues, it is essential to approach the topic with a critical eye and a commitment to scientific integrity.