Spring Break
Who needs Florida? Space is place for retirement
Scott Conover
Issue date: 6/24/09 Section: Forum
By Scott Conover
Space may one day be a great resource for the entrepreneurs of Earth. Rich with ore and resources, space has many opportunities awaiting those brave pioneers who first settle and mine asteroids and comets outside of Earth. Yet, as space gradually becomes more settled, there will be further opportunities. For instance, it may help not only those who want to make a fortune, but also those who created wealth in their youth - the elderly and the middle-aged. Such persons may become afflicted with unfortunate ailments that may make it more difficult to move around effectively and lead fun, productive lives. Space could be the solution to many of these concerns.
Aging and aging-related ailments are an unfortunate part of life. As people grow older, their bodies often become weaker, occasionally failing them in certain aspects, which in turn often leads to medical treatment. Even with excellent healthcare, the human body certainly has its limits.
Although certainly some ailments are purely related to internal body structure and genetics, from diabetes to a tendency towards heart disease, it is arguable that the environment and gravity of Earth places enormous pressure on humans, especially on our spine and back.
In space, it would be possible to effectively control the level of gravity, vis-a-vis controlling the amount of centrifugal force exerted on the human body in a spinning object. By shifting the spin on an asteroid, or by locating a person deeper in the asteroid, and thus father away from the exerted force, one could change the amount of force exerted on the person. In short, you could create an environment that exerted less pressure on a human being, allowing for a greater field of motion and movement, as the force on them is simply far less than on Earth.
The possibilities for this sort of lifestyle are almost endless. It would be possible for the well-off elderly of Earth to retire in space, removing from themselves the pains and aches of a deep gravity well. The middle-class elderly could choose to work past retirement in space, in exchange for a ticket upstairs. The middle-aged could choose to start a new life in the stars, helping to create value in space while increasing their productive ability.
Space may one day be a great resource for the entrepreneurs of Earth. Rich with ore and resources, space has many opportunities awaiting those brave pioneers who first settle and mine asteroids and comets outside of Earth. Yet, as space gradually becomes more settled, there will be further opportunities. For instance, it may help not only those who want to make a fortune, but also those who created wealth in their youth - the elderly and the middle-aged. Such persons may become afflicted with unfortunate ailments that may make it more difficult to move around effectively and lead fun, productive lives. Space could be the solution to many of these concerns.
Aging and aging-related ailments are an unfortunate part of life. As people grow older, their bodies often become weaker, occasionally failing them in certain aspects, which in turn often leads to medical treatment. Even with excellent healthcare, the human body certainly has its limits.
Although certainly some ailments are purely related to internal body structure and genetics, from diabetes to a tendency towards heart disease, it is arguable that the environment and gravity of Earth places enormous pressure on humans, especially on our spine and back.
In space, it would be possible to effectively control the level of gravity, vis-a-vis controlling the amount of centrifugal force exerted on the human body in a spinning object. By shifting the spin on an asteroid, or by locating a person deeper in the asteroid, and thus father away from the exerted force, one could change the amount of force exerted on the person. In short, you could create an environment that exerted less pressure on a human being, allowing for a greater field of motion and movement, as the force on them is simply far less than on Earth.
The possibilities for this sort of lifestyle are almost endless. It would be possible for the well-off elderly of Earth to retire in space, removing from themselves the pains and aches of a deep gravity well. The middle-class elderly could choose to work past retirement in space, in exchange for a ticket upstairs. The middle-aged could choose to start a new life in the stars, helping to create value in space while increasing their productive ability.
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