The science of cryogenics is uncertain, but that has not stopped some people from having their bodies frozen after death in the hopes of being brought back to life later. It has been happening for decades.
In 1966, a World War I veteran named James Bedford passed away. Rather than having a normal burial, Bedford paid to have his body frozen by using liquid nitrogen. His hope was that eventually doctors would be able to unfreeze him and cure his ailments.
His body was checked on in the 1990s and was reported to be in good condition. Now, 50 years later, he remains frozen. His is believed to be the oldest body frozen for this purpose that is still maintained. It will remain frozen indefinitely, as long as funding for it continues.
FOX News reported this story in "After 50 years, frozen WWI veteran's body awaits reanimation."
The science behind freezing and reanimating a human body is considered dubious by most experts. Although researchers were able to freeze and reanimate a rabbit brain recently, most do not think it will ever be possible to do something similar for a human body.
People who are interested in the procedure, are still able to have it done for themselves after they pass away. However, they should do so with the understanding that it might never work. The process is expensive, too.
Consequently, elderly people who might be vulnerable should be cautioned against it by caregivers. They might be spending money better used by their family members in an estate plan.
Reference: FOX News (Jan. 18, 2017) "After 50 years, frozen WWI veteran's body awaits reanimation."
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