Longevity Gene

While browsing slashdot this afternoon, I came cross an article that described a gene found in worms that increases life longevity up to 50%. They say there is a very similiar genes in humans, which may somebday be able to be activiated by doctors. I take this news with mixed feelings. One the one hand, it would be great to be able to live a longer, healthier, more prosperous life. But on the other hand, the length of human lives is increasing dramatically already, so much so that the economy is having trouble supporting the elderly, who no longer can contribute to the well being of a nation.