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Paper short abstract:

The anti-aging industry is based on a widespread idea that the aging process can be managed by individuals. However, we must consider the relevance of several social determinants that delimit the ease of access to this new types of Biotechnology that possibly introduce new forms of inequality.

Paper long abstract:

In the context of the European Union, demographic aging is considered a serious challenge to economic sustainability and social cohesion, motivating the adoption of public policies aimed at promoting active aging, as a possible solution. One can also witness, in recent years, a strong emphasis on personal responsibility for health in order to ensure a healthy aging, which is intended to reduce costs with regard to social protection and public spending with the health of the elderly. And, in fact, the research I've carried out with the elderly reveals the prevalence of a "busy ethic", which leads them to constantly reassert their capability to perform multiple tasks of social value, dodging the ageist consideration that they might be a "weight for society."

In this context of personal responsibility for the aging process, the use of biotechnologies of enhancement can represent an important advantage in a competitive society. Accordingly, one can see in recent years the development of an industry of anti-aging products and medical procedures, based on a widespread idea that the aging process can be managed by individuals in order to be healthy and successful. However, we must consider the relevance of several social determinants that delimit the ease of access to this type of Biotechnology, possibly introducing new forms of inequality that should be analyzed from a Bioethical point of view, anchored in the Social Sciences.