Psychology of Some 21 st Century Issues: Longevity, Genetic Engineering, Hardship Mark E. Koltko-Rivera, Ph.D. Director of Research, Professional Services Group, Inc. PO Box 4914, Winter Park, Florida, 32793-4914 USA E-mail: mark@professionalservicesgroup.net Contribution to symposium, M.E. Koltko-Rivera (Chair), 21st-Century psychology— Selected issues, methods, and areas of focus, at the 113 th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA, August 18-21, 2005. Abstract Although historically the discipline of psychology has tended to be reactive, the twenty- first century will present challenges to human life that psychologists would be wise to address proactively. This presentation describes three such challenges, and some research questions regarding them that could usefully be addressed by psychologists in many subdisciplines and specialties. The three challenges involve (1) increases in human longevity (whether we see an increase in infirm or vigorous older people), (2) human genetic engineering (including genetic medicine, human cloning, and human genetic enhancement), and (3) increased hardship (due to demographic reconfigurations, environmental crises, oil shortages, infectious diseases, and terrorism). The author calls for the formation of a future-oriented perspective across all subdisciplines and specialties. Psychology of Some 21 st Century Issues: Longevity, Genetic Engineering, Hardship The discipline of psychology seems to be reactive; that is, psychologists first notice events, and then respond (with research, intervention, or both). We are now at a juncture where psychology should be proactive in grappling with emerging societal trends. By many indications, the degree of difference between the worlds of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries will be greater than that between any two preceding consecutive centuries in history, at least in developed countries. This is a strong claim to make, but it seems to be an accurate reading of responsible forecasts that have been made by physical, biological, and social scientists, as well as other futurists (e.g., Bindé, 2001; Brockman, 2002; Dertouzos, 1997; Kennedy, 1993). Given the magnitude of the changes to be faced by those now alive and their immediate descendants, it would be wise for psychologists everywhere to consider now how best to help people influence or adjust to this emerging world. A proactive psychology