Medicine has been the victim of its own success. Patients dont want to be examined anymore, they want an MRI. The doctor is gradually beeing replaced by the machine, But the machine has no compassion. Life expectancy now far exceeds the biblical three score years and ten. Ageing has been redefined as a disease. Most of the massive health budget is being spent trying to add a few extra years to life, without necessarily improving quality. The financial implications of this cannot be sustained. A philosophical shift is required by all involved , patients and doctors.