Gosh – I’d like to go to this – the Manhattan Beach Project, Los Angeles. It’s the conference I wanted to go to when I went to Convergence08 last November: because this on is focused specifically on longevity.

The field of longevity research is getting very exciting now. Aubrey de Grey is quoted as thinking there is a 50/50 chance of his living forever.  Now, if a conservative scientist says that, you have to take note.

Unfortunately, I cannot go – I have things booked for November and can’t get away. But it’s in the diary for next year.

Apparently there will be recordings of the speakers which can be watched for free.

“You’ll get to see all of the twenty minute presentations by world-leading researchers. Each one of the fifteen presenters will also answer up to ten minutes of questions.”

Sorry to miss it. The usual suspects – Aubrey de Grey and Ray Kurzweil – will be there (albeit Kurweil will be beamed in). The whole thing is hosted by David A Kekich and Greta Blackburn of Maximum Life Foundation, and sponsored by Life Extension Foundation. Should be very good.

Follow Maximum Life Foundation on Twitter @maxlifeorg .

Longevity Conference, November 2009 is a post from: Living To 150

No related posts.

Longevity and anti-aging was not the only focus of this fascinating conference in San Hose, California, November 2008. It also covered nanotechnology, bio-technology and artificial intelligence.

300 people gathered together with interests in these main areas. An obvious connecting factor was: ‘thinking outside the box’.

Aubrey de Grey

One attendee was Aubrey de Grey, a man of striking appearance, and strong intellect. He speaks convincingly about how the degeneration caused by aging will be ended by biotechnology – potentially within a generation or two. 

Longevity – Supplements – Yes or No?

From the point of view of supplements the longevity enthusiasts polarised into two main groups: "take supplements", and "take few supplements" (or "take no supplements").

The "take few supplements" lobby were concerned about studies which appeared to show that supplements can be toxic, such as vitamin E; and those which showed them to be ineffective. An example of the latter is that the effectiveness of anti-oxidants is questioned, as our cells appear to regulate anti-oxidants so closely, that it is questioned whether it is worth taking extra ones such as vitamin C or CoQ10.

Voice of Moderation for Anti-Aging

After fighting in my head with the opposing views for a couple of days, I was won over by Terry Grossman, co-author of ‘Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever‘, who I heard speak, and spoke with, several times.

Terry runs a longevity clinic in Denver, Colorado.

His views run very closely to my own naturopathic ones; do all you can through lifestyle – as supported by science; take medical tests for major diseases where they are available; and take moderate levels of supplements.

Terry argued convincingly against the ‘vitamin E toxicity’ argument put frequently by the "take no supplements" lobby, as a misrepresentation of the data.

I plan to visit Terry Grossman’s anti-aging clinic for an ‘overhaul’ in mid 2009.

Great Anti-Aging Conference

This was an eye-opening conference. There were many people there making fantastic discoveries at the cutting edge of health and science; and, contradictorily, some of these were not so open minded in other areas.

I should not be so surprised – that’s human.

I look forward to the next conference. The organisers may have one focused more specifically on anti-aging which would be great.

Convergence08: Overview is a post from: Living To 150

No related posts.

November 15-16th, 2008

This conference looks just brilliant. Relaxed, informal, networking with other enthusiasts and it should be fascinating.

Half the programme is generated by individuals setting up their own meetings and discussions; and the rest can choose to attend those they are interested in. There are meals for more networking on the Friday and the Saturday nights.

The Attendees

Enthusiasts will be there as well as experts in the field of longevity and ‘the future’.

Check out Aubrey de Grey; Dont let the looks fool you. One bright cookie.

Keynote speakers include: Peter Norvig, Director of Research at Google; Aubrey de Grey; and Terry Grossman (co-author with Ray Kurzweil of the great book Fantastic Voyage).

The event is being held at the Computer History Museum – which sounds just great – in Mountain View in the middle of Silicon Valley.

The cost is just $145 (book soon) and rooms at the recommended hotel are is $95 per night.

Looks exciting to me. If you are going – comment on this post and perhaps we can meet up.

“Convergence08″ Conference is a post from: Living To 150

No related posts.

Darn – nearly a good excuse for a break in Vegas. The 17th World Congress on Antiaging Medicine at the Venetian; one of the nicer hotels in Vegas.

I fancied a few days away; pick up some useful information; network with other longevity enthusiasts. However, on investigation it’s actually aimed at longevity doctors, practitioners, clinics and researchers. Few enthusiastic amateurs – so not for me.

Any Enthusiasts Out There?

So, where are the ‘amateur’ events?

Looking around, other conferences are either aimed at medics; or they feature ‘aesthetic medicine’. Yeah – cosmetic surgery etc.

So, where do the enthusiastic amateurs go?

Anyone?

Las Vegas – Don’t Think So is a post from: Living To 150

No related posts.