Why do we seek to prolong life? This calm yet provocative question came from a close friend whose parent, at over 80, had just undergone a costly self-funded treatment that amounted to half a million dollars. He wondered why humans can’t simply live out their natural lifespan and pass peacefully when the time comes like in the olden days, rather than allocating so many resources to extend life for only a few additional years. He argued that these resources might be better utilized to help more people. He also asked about my personal beliefs and invited me to share my perspective. As a free thinker and minimalist who advocates for personal finance and understands economic dynamics, I approached this question from two different angles. Wearing the financial hat: Living in the fast-paced and competitive environment of Singapore, it’s clear that we will likely meet the projections outlined in the 2013 Population White Paper, estimating the population will range from 6.5 to 6.9 million by 2030....