Uni in the Brewery: Session 2

“Modern medicine: how long can we live?”

By Prof. Wilf Yeo

Hear Wilf being interviewed by ABC Radio's Nick Rheinberger (audio file)

The last 30 years has seen a number of major medical advances that increased life expectancy in developed countries. In the late 1970s and early 80s it was unusual to see patients over 90 years old admitted to hospital, whereas now it is common.

Medical practice has undergone subtle changes from predominantly the treatment of active disease and its complications, to prevention of disease through attempts to reduce risk factors in the population such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and smoking. Longevity comes at a price.

An older population has a higher incidence of cancer, osteoporosis and fractures, heart rhythm abnormalities requiring pacemakers, dementia, and the need for care provided in nursing homes. In modern society dying has gone out of fashion. Many see death as a medical inconvenience that can be avoided or treated by a visit to the doctor, rather than as a normal consequence of life.

Does medicine serve modern society well, and does society understand modern medicine?

When: Wednesday 7th May (5:30-6:30)
Where: Five Islands Brewery in Wollongong
RSVP: vwallace@uow.edu.au

This presentation is an Australian Innovation Festival (AIF) event. AIF runs from 26th April to 30th May. The festival is a not-for-profit initiative which aims to showcase and promote Australia’s excellence in research, development and commercialisation.  More at: http://www.ausinnovation.org