The guest for this podcast is Mark Ryall, an author who has written a sci-fi novel about reversing aging through genetic engineering. The title of Mark’s book is Age-Decoded: They Conquered Aging but Imperiled Humanity. Of course, this is still fiction. Above all, it offers a dark look at the risks of stopping the aging process. And we look at the social and ethical costs of this technology.

Is Reversing Aging Desirable?

We discuss this first novel of Mark's. He shares with us what he learned about genetic engineering while doing research for his book. What are the moral challenges that humanity faces with this process? Even though this type of engineering is well into the future, we are very aware of the “battle against aging” that is very much in the present? And how did our guest’s experience with starting triathlon training late in life influence his decision to write a novel about reversing aging? So, join us for a conversation about this fascinating and concerning age-related science to stop the natural process.

Mini Bio

Mark Ryall taught economics and mathematics at Royal St. George's College (Toronto) and Hillfield Strathallan College (Hamilton) for a combined twenty-four years. The speculative fiction Age-Decoded is Mark’s first novel. Interestingly, he wrote it to educate himself and the world about the imminent tsunami of genetic engineering technology. The story peers 100-200 years into the future; it allows the reader to critically imagine and feel the effects of this new scientific frontier. In addition to his writing, Mark competes in triathlons and represented Canada in the 2019 World Age-Group Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. Also, he enjoys acrylic art, painting historic structures, landscapes, and sports portraits. His education includes BSc (University of Waterloo), MBA (York University), and PhD (University of Toronto, Education).

Items Mentioned for Our Listeners

Mark's sci-fi book, Age-Decoded: They Conquered Aging but Imperiled Humanity

CRISPR description and Nobel Prize Winners, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, for CRISPR Discovery

Quora, a "platform to ask questions and connect with people who contribute insights and quality answers"

Podcasting Award

The Living to 100 Podcast was selected among the Top 20 Aging Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021 by Feedspot RSS News Reader. Thanks to all of our listeners for tuning in, and to our guests for the great conversations.