Tech Centimillionaire Bryan Johnson’s High-Stakes Quest for Longevity

The clock ticks relentlessly, yet Bryan Johnson, a tech centimillionaire and self-proclaimed “rejuvenation athlete,” is determined to rewrite the rules of aging. At 46, he reportedly spends over $2 million a year harnessing cutting-edge technologies and therapies to erase years from his biological age. From $25,000 gene-therapy injections to an astounding stack of 111 daily pills, Johnson is not merely dabbling in the fountain of youth; he is diving headfirst into its depths.

Yet, despite Johnson’s lavish expenditure, research reveals a striking narrative: achieving significant health and longevity benefits need not break the bank. Number eight on the so-called “Rejuvenation Olympics” scoreboard, 55-year-old Julie Gibson Clark, adopts a far more frugal approach to aging, spending roughly $79 monthly on supplements, combined with a $27 gym membership and daily meditation sessions. At this rate, Clark’s biological age is aging at a rate of just 0.65 years for each chronological year, narrowly edging out Johnson’s slower 0.69—a mere statistic that belies the massive financial gulf between the two.

Proven Anti-Aging Methods

Exercise

Dr. Peter Attia, a leading longevity expert, asserts that “exercise has the greatest power to determine how you will live out the rest of your life.” His claims are backed by data showing that physical activity can significantly slow down both physical and cognitive decline. Investments in fitness trackers, gym memberships, and personal trainers may yield far greater returns than the latest gene therapies.

Sleep

In the realm of anti-aging, quality sleep is equally paramount. While sleep trackers can provide insight into one’s sleep patterns, Dr. Attia suggests relying on simple questionnaires, like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, to gauge sleep health. More essential than the data, he notes, is the commitment to prioritizing sleep hygiene.

Blood Sugar Regulation

“Glucose control is critical to health span,” Dr. Attia emphasizes. Individuals with blood glucose levels teetering in the “grey zone” (120 to 140 mg/dL) may benefit immensely from continuous glucose monitors. This knowledge helps in making adjustments in diet and lifestyle that could mitigate age-related health risks.

• Five key methods for proven anti-aging:
• Regular exercise
• Adequate, quality sleep
• Effective blood sugar regulation
• Healthy dietary choices
• Stress management techniques

Promising Anti-Aging Methods

Rapamycin

Intermittent doses of rapamycin have shown promise in targeting the body’s oldest and weakest cells. “It’s the most promising geroprotective agent we have at this time,” Dr. Attia adds, highlighting its potential to extend lifespan without focusing on specific diseases.

Saunas

Regular sauna use is supported by research indicating significant benefits to the brain and heart, as well as reduced mortality risk. “Taking a sauna four times weekly appears to have remarkable health benefits, particularly for sleep quality,” states Dr. Attia. The ritual of unwinding in heat may offer a simple yet powerful method for enhancing longevity.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Metformin

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors—medications primarily designed for diabetes treatment—are showing unexpected benefits in geroprotection and overall mortality rates. Dr. Attia believes “these drugs will eventually be prescribed to a broader population, not just those with diabetes.” Similarly, the diabetes drug metformin has emerged as a potential player in longevity discussions, although much remains to be clarified regarding its efficacy.

Unproven and Mixed Evidence Anti-Aging Methods

Ice Baths

Popular among wellness enthusiasts, ice baths offer emotional satisfaction and some anti-inflammatory benefits, but Dr. Attia is skeptical about their longevity claims, suggesting they may not significantly extend lifespan.

NAD+ and Young Blood Transfusions

While NAD+ plays a role in cellular functioning, scientific evidence supporting its use for longevity is limited. Young blood transfusions, despite buzz in popular culture, lack credible research demonstrating any anti-aging advantages.

A Load of Nonsense

Resveratrol

Considered by Dr. Attia as “one of the biggest cons in the supplement industry,” resveratrol has finite evidence suggesting any significant health benefits. “Only one study has indicated it did anything,” he states, emphasizing the need for caution in supplement choices.

Red-Light Therapy

Although it shows some efficacy for skin conditions, red-light therapy remains devoid of substantial evidence to support any geroprotective effects.

What Should Be in a Longevity Stack of Supplements?

A well-rounded approach to longevity should center around regular exercise and a balanced diet, but effective supplements can provide supportive benefits. According to Brian St. Pierre, director of nutrition at Precision Nutrition:

• Multivitamins (around 100% DV)
• EPA + DHA Omega-3s (1-3g daily)
• Vitamin D (1,000 to 2,000 IU for immune health)
• Magnesium (for relaxation and sleep)
• Protein sources (for muscle retention)

As Bryan Johnson’s lavish expenditures raise eyebrows and fuel debates within the realm of longevity, it becomes increasingly clear that simple lifestyle changes can yield profound benefits. While the allure of high-priced therapies is undeniable, the path to better health is often paved with consistent habits and grounded science. In a world captivated by quick fixes and flashy solutions, the journey toward longevity may just be found in the daily grind of authentic self-care.

Source: www.menshealth.com