“Did you mention the erection tracking to her?” asked Brian Johnson’s assistant—and girlfriend—from the bathroom of his makeshift home in the hospital clinic.
It’s 2023, and I’m in the process of creating a documentary on longevity breakthroughs. Given the mix of biotech labs, personal experiments, and aging science, I thought Brian’s unusual lifestyle would add a dynamic touch. So, there I was at his house in Los Angeles, the first to document his treatment routines, which included tracking his erections.
With 20 years in tech journalism, I found Brian’s quest for eternal youth intriguing. This type of ambition isn’t new in Silicon Valley, but his single-mindedness felt almost religious.
Not everyone embraced his methods. His regimen included a grueling 19-hour fast, a restrictive diet, 50 supplements daily, and an early bedtime followed by solitary sleep—it all seemed a bit extreme.
Surprisingly, as I left his place, I found myself wanting to adopt some of his habits (though just a smidgen).
Beyond his claim of having the nocturnal erections of an 18-year-old (definitely not about me), here was a man with bright eyes and a strong posture who, after a rough patch in life, told me he felt happy.
I’ve explored various health techniques, had countless health evaluations, and even consulted a biological age tracker (who just told me I didn’t look great, without giving a number). Still, I wondered what insights I could gain from him and the broader longevity movement.
After years of exploring health tech and reviewing scientific literature, I now see that the longevity market is facing challenges, with many doctors worried that it overpromises while underdelivering.
Dr. Jordan Schlein, a reputable physician and innovator in healthcare, confirmed this. From his years at luxury health practices in major cities, he’s encountered many patients desiring proof of effectiveness.
However, he pointed out that “the exaggerated longevity practices aren’t helping anyone live longer,” and that the only beneficiaries often seem to be those selling the treatments like peptide therapies and stem cell interventions.
“There’s no proof of that,” Dr. Schlein mentioned. “It’s a risk.” This narrative detracts from what genuinely can be achieved.
Perhaps “longevity” is too broad of a term.
While some genuine advances—like health technologies for early cancer detection—exist, there’s also a realm of fringe practices, such as unusual injections and self-prescribing medications, that claim to enhance both lifespan and healthspan.
As Schlein noted, if there’s a groundbreaking discovery in longevity, “it won’t be a secret. We’ll all know.”
This doesn’t imply that the quest for longevity is futile; rather, the methods often are misguided. Advances in AI could significantly propel scientific progress, making once-fatal diseases like cancer manageable for many.
Moreover, future treatments are likely to be more personalized, with fewer side effects. Lifestyle modifications could be tailored more precisely, and gene editing might eradicate inherited diseases.
Yet, amidst the noise, we need to distinguish real science from gimmicks.
After extensive research and interviews with top minds, I can offer insights on what genuinely works.
It’s not the trendy supplements or therapies; the essentials remain surprisingly straightforward. And yes, they can actually enhance life expectancy.
First on the list? Sleep. It’s crucial. Setting a regular sleep schedule for at least eight hours is recommended.
Next, maintain a balanced diet and steer clear of overly processed foods.
Don’t forget to exercise adequately. Aim for a blend of aerobic workouts, strength training, and stretching.
And, if possible, aim to reduce stress. This is tougher to tackle, but human connections matter. Strong bonds enhance well-being.
Recent studies delve deeper into exercise’s effects. According to Dr. Eric Burdin, from the Buck Institute on Aging, “People who exercise typically live seven years longer than those who don’t,” which invites further exploration into tailored exercise needs.
Wearable technology allows us to track our health more than ever, providing insight into both shortcomings and progress.
Regarding sleep, Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist from Berkeley, stated, “No organ system in the body isn’t positively impacted by sleep or negatively affected by lack of it.”
Additionally, changes in sleep patterns can serve as early warning signs for conditions like dementia, offering a pathway for earlier interventions. Devices like Fitbits and Oura rings are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Simultaneously, researchers are uncovering how our genetics, microbiomes, and environmental quality may influence health. Eventually, this knowledge can help predict health challenges and facilitate early diagnostics.
But we must proceed cautiously. Many current genomic tests provide limited benefits and could lead to misunderstanding if used outside professional healthcare contexts.
At the same time, we ought to reflect on whether we genuinely want longer lives or simply wish to continue as we do now. After all, many Americans spend a significant amount of time in poor health.
Last year, I ventured to Loma Linda, a locale known for its residents’ longevity. Here, women live an extra four to five years, while men enjoy an additional seven years of life.
In this Seventh-day Adventist community, wellness is seen as a spiritual obligation. A vegetarian diet, avoidance of alcohol, regular exercise, and a strong community network form the foundation of their way of life. There’s nothing miraculous about it; it’s just sound reasoning and established practices.
A 99-year-old resident, Estelle, encountered a sign in the gym stating, “No more than three walkers at a time.” It was an eye-opener. This community may age gracefully, but they are not invincible.
On the same day, I met 103-year-old Mildred, who, despite her sharp mind and good health, wouldn’t advocate for anyone to emulate her age.
Having lost her daughter years ago, she expressed a fear of falling whenever she stood. After a life well-lived, she seemed to lack a sense of purpose.
We all require purpose and a sense of connection. These are fundamental aspects of human nature rather than mere longevity trends.
When I shared Brian’s habits with Mildred, she merely smirked and said, “Yes, lifestyle matters…but you really have to live.”
Lara’s book “Hacking Humanity: How Technology Can Save Your Health and Your Life” is published and available.
