“Don’t die” is becoming a popular saying among those obsessed with living longer. People want to age backward, hoping to reach or surpass 100 years. This trend has people looking closely at their health, including clean eating, regular exercise, red light therapy, supplements, and frequent doctor visits.
One prominent figure in this movement is Bryan Johnson. He made a fortune as an entrepreneur and now shares his life and tips on his website, Blueprint. He’s known for coining the phrase that got everyone talking about longevity. Recently, Netflix released a documentary about him called Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.
As part of this lifestyle, a term called biohacking has emerged. This is the practice of using science and lifestyle changes to enhance your health. But is it valid, or just a passing trend? Let’s explore.
What is biohacking?
Biohacking is straightforward: it’s about taking control of your health. It involves different methods to improve your physical and mental well-being through self-experimentation and biological changes. It’s often called “do-it-yourself biology.” To biohack your life, you need to make gradual lifestyle adjustments to improve your health.
However, biohacking can be costly. Healthy food is already expensive, and adding treatments and supplements can lead to steep medical bills.
Bryan’s Journey with Biohacking
In 2013, Bryan Johnson sold his company to PayPal for $800 million. Instead of living lavishly, he chose to devote his life to biohacking. Yes, you read that right.
Bryan wakes up every day at 4:30 am and finishes dinner by 11:30 am. His routine includes light therapy and taking 111 supplements. It’s considered extreme, but can it really work for everyone?
Is Biohacking Just Sci-Fi?
Dr. Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor of King’s College London, describes biohacking as a sci-fi concept that needs more evidence before being accepted as a legitimate method for longevity. Still, he highlights that people can improve life expectancy by following eight key tips, often called ‘longevity essentials.’
Dr. Kapur emphasizes that simply spending more on medical treatments won’t dramatically increase life expectancy. Public health measures, especially during childhood—like vaccinations and proper nutrition—are vital. After 40, lifestyle choices play a crucial role.
Here are the eight factors Dr. Kapur suggests to improve your longevity:
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Keep blood pressure and diabetes in check
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get good sleep
- Stay socially connected
- Maintain mental well-being
According to Dr. Kapur, following all eight factors can add an astonishing 24 years to your life compared to not following them. It’s a powerful reminder that simple lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on longevity.