Advances in Medical Research

Over the last decades, considerable medical progress has been made in eliminating or alleviating the effects of human illnesses, thus prolonging the life spans of many people in the United States (U.S.). The invention of new technologies, medications and procedures has radically increased the effectiveness of the treatment of previously lethal diseases (Cutler 45-56). Only a century ago, people frequently died from diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis and gastrointestinal disorders. These diseases no longer posed a significant mortality threat in contemporary society. Moreover, even though heart disease still constitutes the primary cause of death in the U.S., doctors have been able to prolong the lives of these patients by increasing their likelihood of surviving a heart attack and controlling its effects through procedures such as angioplasty and medications. The availability of laser and ultrasonic technologies that are less invasive have also increased the utilization and effectiveness of surgical procedures (The Institute for Research on Women and Gender 7).

The effects of medical research on life expectancy will be even more pronounced with rapid advances made in biomedical research. Cellular and molecular scientists such as Lenny Guarante from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and David Sinclair from Harvard Medical School are engaged in the creation of drugs that will retard the process of aging (Aaron and Schwartz 36). Already,

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aid, the impact of longevity will be dependent on the number of beneficiaries and changes in the costs of health care. Nonetheless, changes in the mortality rates due to the increase in life expectancy will ensure the rapid rise in Medicare and Medicaid costs simply due to the increase in the number of elderly people. As Aaron and Schwartz pointed out, the amount of medical spending is positively correlated with age due to their susceptibility to diseases and the overall effects of the aging process. Without considering any improvements in the health of the elderly population, the Medicare costs are projected to constitute two percent more of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2070 a figure that will increase to five percent with a two percent decline in mortality rate. In the case of Medicaid, the cost difference will be slightly over one percent of the GDP in 2070 compared to currently. However, with a two percent decline in the mortality rate per year, the difference will increase to six percent of the GDP (37-8). The financial impact of the sudden increase in the life expectancy of the U.S. in the immediate future through medical research is further intensified by the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation

Category: Medical - A