在最新的延长人类寿命的努力背后，隐藏着一个讽刺的事实：在一个以青年人为导向的社会里做一个老人并不是件愉快的事情。老人会变得孤立，缺乏有意义的工作以及贫困。在这个特别的演讲里，贾雷德·戴蒙德着眼于许多不同的社会如何对待自己的长辈—— 一些很好，一些很糟—— 并且建议大家要从经验中学习。

让现代社会中的老人生活的更好

The way societies treat older people ranges from abandonment in harsh environments to deep reverence in family-centered cultures. In the United States, many elderly live apart from their children and feel isolated, while traditional societies often keep elders at the heart of community life. Older people in traditional groups remain valued for their knowledge, caregiving, and leadership, especially in times of crisis. As lifespans lengthen, modern society risks wasting the talents and experience of its aging population.