Living Longer, Living Better? A Conversation About the Marvels of Public Health and Human Longevity - and What We Still Need to Do

Humankind’s increased longevity — doubling life expectancy in just over 100 years — is the focus of author Steven Johnson's forthcoming book, Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer. The book will be released in May 2021. He considers the advances of modern life — creation of public health institutions, breakthroughs in vaccines, and even seatbelts. Johnson will join Boston University Deans Sandro Galea (School of Public Health) and Mariette DiChristina (College of Communication) to consider these advances in understanding where the progress comes from and to contemplate what still must be done to meet unmet needs.

This conversation is organized in partnership with the Pulitzer Center, Boston University College of Communication, and Boston University School of Public Health. Boston University is part of the Pulitzer Center’s Campus Consortium network.

Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR health correspondent and a Pulitzer Center grantee, will moderate the conversation.

This event on Friday, March 12, is part of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health conference. Conference registration is required.