In the latest episode of the Vikerraadio series 'Harri Tiido's Background Stories', the focus is on longevity and the quest for extending human life. Harri Tiido emphasizes that despite significant advances in medicine, no universal pill or injection to dramatically reverse aging or significantly slow it down currently exists. While the pharmaceutical industry has introduced various so-called wonder drugs over the years, the search for a definitive solution continues.

Historically, human life expectancy was rare to exceed 32 years until the 19th century. The industrial revolution, advances in science, and improvements in sanitation significantly raised people's expectations for a longer life. The phenomenal increase in average life expectancy occurred during the 20th century, as humanity learned to prevent and treat infectious diseases. By 2023, the global average life expectancy had climbed to 70 years, with some countries, including Italy, France, Japan, and South Korea, reaching up to 83 years.

As life expectancy increases, so does the desire for an even longer life, particularly among individuals who hold significant power or financial resources. Tiido suggests that this relentless pursuit of longevity raises ethical and existential questions about what it means to live a full life. As society grapples with these concepts, the dialogue on lifespan extension becomes increasingly relevant, revealing deep-seated human desires and the challenges of modern medicine.