What Lies Ahead for the 21st Century?

• Position: Brief Article

To mark the new millennium, the editors of The Futurist have selected the "Top 10" forecasts for the future. The predictions--from leading scientists, researchers, and scholars--chosen on the basis of their interest, significance, and plausibility, are as follows:

* The number of centenarians worldwide will increase from 135,000 today to 2,200,000 people by 2050.

* By 2010, biomonitoring devices that resemble wristwatches will provide wearers with up-to-the-minute data about their health status.

* Exercise will promote mental well-being and a healthier body, helping individuals fight chronic pain, depression, chemical dependence, and even schizophrenia.

* Tiny electronic microchips implanted in a person's forearm could transmit messages to a computer that controls the heating and lighting systems of intelligent...