11-6-2023 (NEW YORK) Bryan Johnson, a 45-year-old American tech billionaire, has garnered attention for his attempts to reverse the ageing process. Spending a staggering $2 million annually on his anti-ageing regimen, Johnson boldly claims that he now ages slower than some children, stating, “The pace my body accumulates ageing damage is less than the average 10-year-old.”
While Johnson’s pursuit of age-reversal may sound intriguing, many of his methods raise concerns due to their questionable scientific basis and known side effects.
One of Johnson’s practices involves fasting for 23 hours a day, followed by consuming a single meal comprising 2,250 calories of nutrient-dense food customized to his body’s specific needs. Time-restricted eating has shown potential benefits such as improved metabolism of nutrients, reduced inflammation, better hormonal regulation, and enhanced cardiometabolic health. However, extreme fasting regimens may negatively impact glucose tolerance and may not be more effective for weight maintenance compared to simply reducing calorie intake per meal. Furthermore, extensive long-term human trials are necessary to validate the limited risk-benefit findings of fasting.
— Bryan Johnson (@bryan_johnson) May 23, 2023
Another peculiar aspect of Johnson’s routine is his weekly acid peels, aimed at maintaining a “youthful glow.” While mild acid-based exfoliation can contribute to skin rejuvenation, it cannot address sagging facial skin, deep scars, or wrinkles. Acid peels also carry risks, including organ damage, infection, scarring, and swelling.
Perhaps the most unusual approach Johnson has experimented with is receiving blood transfusions from his 17-year-old son. Although certain biotech companies have explored plasma infusions to combat age-related diseases, there is no conclusive evidence of clinical benefits. Blood transfusions pose potential side effects, such as blood-borne infections, fever, and allergic reactions.
Throughout history, humans have pursued various methods in their quest for eternal youth, ranging from peculiar to outright sadistic practices. Ancient civilizations employed techniques like applying crocodile dung face masks for a brighter complexion or utilizing donkey milk and swan fat to minimize wrinkles, based on their perceived rejuvenating properties. Even the infamous Countess Dracula, Elizabeth Bathory, reportedly bathed in the blood of young victims in a gruesome bid for youthfulness during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The modern obsession with the Fountain of Youth has given rise to numerous anti-ageing trends, including the exposure to cold. Research suggests that cold therapy may offer benefits such as slowing cellular degeneration, stimulating collagen and elastin production, boosting metabolism, and reducing inflammation. Advocates like Dutch motivational speaker Wim Hof and athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo promote practices like cold water immersion or cryotherapy to enhance health and combat ageing. However, risks associated with extreme cold exposure include bone fractures, frostbite, nerve damage, bleeding, cramping, swelling, and skin infections.
While Johnson’s methods may seem intriguing, it is important to highlight the everyday practices available to all individuals to promote healthy ageing. Two mainstream recommendations emphasized by Johnson are maintaining quality sleep and regular exercise. Johnson adheres to a strict sleep schedule, retiring to a darkened room at 8 pm after a one-hour wind-down. Establishing a regular sleep routine, reducing distractions in the bedroom (such as mobile phones), and engaging in regular exercise can alleviate sleep problems. Exercise, in particular, is hailed as a wonder drug for healthy ageing.
Johnson follows a comprehensive workout regimen, including specially designed daily techniques, high-intensity interval training, hiking, and playing sports. Regular exercise in middle age and beyond aids in increasing muscle mass, bone density, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. Furthermore, it helps reduce the risk of falls, which is a significant health concern for older adults. Exercise can also provide social and mental health benefits.
In the pursuit of healthy ageing, small lifestyle changes such as prioritizing sleep, adopting a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, and engaging in regular physical activity can make a significant difference. These practices contribute to healthy ageing, decrease the likelihood of premature death, and enable individuals to maintain an active and independent lifestyle in their senior years. It is these simple yet effective measures that are truly worth investing in.
