Longevity and Health in the Modern World

Humans have, I think, always had this dream of living longer, healthier lives. Well, it seems that this dream may be becoming a reality—at least for those who can afford it.

You can’t help but think about the myth of the Fountain of Youth. It’s been around since Ancient Greece, with various interpretations throughout history. But at its core, it’s the same idea: discover the right spring, take a sip, and voilà—you’re renewed.

Today, it looks like people are more open than ever to the idea that there are ways to improve their health, extend their lifespan, and enhance their quality of life—what’s known as healthspan, a term that popped up in the ’80s.

In response to this aspiration, the longevity and wellness industry is on the rise.

On the scientific front, alongside traditional medical practices, a new wave of concierge medical services is emerging. These practices provide a variety of treatments, tailored for those willing to pay. Since the ’90s, this model has grown, trading in insurance for hefty annual payments that can range from $4,000 to $45,000 or more.

Now, the doctors starting these concierge practices aren’t necessarily better trained than those in traditional settings. They simply choose to limit their patient load, allowing them to dedicate more time to each individual. They often provide in-house services like medical scans that patients would typically need to go elsewhere for.

According to the Private Physicians Alliance, there are anywhere from 7,000 to 22,000 concierge practices in the U.S. That’s a small fraction compared to nearly 400,000 insurance-based ones reported by the Bureau of Health Workforce.

These concierge doctors usually see only about 20% (or even less) of the patients that an insurance-based doctor might manage. It’s not uncommon for patients to have the doctor’s personal cell phone number, enhancing accessibility.

The wellness market is booming, but it lacks clear entry standards. Beyond trained medical professionals, this space also accommodates those in the lucrative vitamin and supplement sector, which surged to a valuation of $192 billion in 2024. Products range from tablets to gummies.

Prescription medications go through rigorous FDA evaluations, whereas vitamins like D, B-12, and iron can also be prescribed to address deficiencies found in blood tests. But supplements like collagen, creatine, and fish oils often don’t undergo the same scrutiny and are typically taken at the person’s discretion.

The FDA places much of the responsibility for the effectiveness of supplements on their manufacturers. The American Medical Association has issued warnings about relying too heavily on these products, noting that the FDA regards supplements as food rather than medicine. Many supplements are marketed through monthly subscriptions and promoted by influencers who may earn money from these sales.

Steve Mister, the head of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, shared that the average consumer spends around $50 a month on supplements, often focusing on established products like vitamin D and Omega-3s that have proven benefits. While he’s concerned about influencers making unscientific claims, he also critiques doctors who dismiss lesser-known supplements without a thorough understanding. “They’re skeptical of these products because they haven’t learned about them in medical school,” he noted.

It’s not always straightforward to combine prescription medications and supplements, creating challenges for both patients and doctors.

Dr. Cari Dawson, a concierge practitioner, recounts a case of a patient opting to take red yeast rice for cholesterol instead of sticking with a prescribed statin. This caused complications because the patient alternated her statin usage while consistently taking an unregulated supplement.

Dr. Dawson often finds herself debunking myths associated with statins and supplements, emphasizing that many online claims lack scientific backing. She mentioned, “There’s a lot of misinformation about statins. Yes, there’s a small percentage of people who might experience muscle pain, but most tolerate them well. In fact, we think everyone over 50 should consider taking statins to manage cholesterol.” Ultimately, she managed to convince her patient to resume statin therapy.

The FDA doesn’t allow supplement companies to advertise their products as substitutes for prescription medications, which worries Mister, who recognizes that misinformation is a pervasive issue.

Understanding the motivation behind alternative treatments is important. Dr. Dawson suggests that individuals with a distrust of the medical system are often on the lookout for alternatives, which speaks to a larger issue.

Dr. Anton Titov, founder of the Diagnostic Detectives Network, is against the use of supplements, arguing that their advocates often push the products for financial gain while exploiting public skepticism of institutions. “You can sell a lot of supplements without needing a doctor’s prescription, which contrasts sharply with prescribing statins,” he observed. He runs a specialized practice charging around $6,000, escalating costs as more expertise is required for patient cases.

The key question in navigating health investments might be: What’s the best strategy to prioritize longevity and well-being?

Dr. Jordan Shlain, a pioneer in concierge medicine, notes that, regardless of wealth, the focus on longevity boils down to a few main causes of death: cardiovascular issues, neurological disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

“Genetics play a significant role, accounting for about 50 to 70 percent of longevity,” he mentioned. “Then, it gets down to basics: sleep, exercise, diet, and social connections. Prioritizing sleep and fostering social interactions is vital.”

Patients exploring nontraditional healthcare should expect varying experiences and offerings, particularly at different price points. Concierge practices typically manage fewer patients but provide more tailored approaches.

For instance, Dr. Ramon Jacobs-Shaw, a Harvard-trained doctor who operates independently, charges $25,000 per year but emphasizes building personal relationships with his patients, differing from the often transactional nature of conventional healthcare.

Some concierge services are organized into practice groups. For example, MD2 limits its physician roster to 50 patients and charges $30,000 annually. Private Medical, founded by Dr. Shlain, has a steeper fee of $45,000 and serves a limited number of families in select states. Atria Health and Research Institute, with two locations, charges $60,000 and integrates multiple specialties for comprehensive care.

“Our approach focuses on holistic disease prevention,” stated Alan Tisch, Atria’s co-founder. “We offer a blend of primary care plus additional specialized services, striving for seamless care without needing to refer patients elsewhere.”

Ultimately, Dr. Titov suggests that regardless of the practice chosen, the fundamental advice for promoting longevity includes attention to cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy weight. “Innovative medication is showing that many health issues diminish with weight loss,” he said, recommending focusing on achieving an ideal weight and engaging in regular exercise.

Dr. Aaron Wenzel, a weight-loss physician with a concierge practice in Nashville, agrees. Charging $10,900 annually, he reflects on his experience in emergency medicine, emphasizing the transformative power of losing excess fat for improving health.

While medications can facilitate weight management, he acknowledges the necessity of personal commitment to improving one’s metabolism and lifestyle. “So many people seem tempted by quick fixes, but it’s often their diet, fitness, and relationships that need the most attention,” he concluded.