Bryan Johnson will eventually die. This isn’t a threat, nor will I contribute to that outcome in any way. Instead, I’m making an informed prediction based on statistics. It’s important to highlight this prediction because mainstream media often focuses on Johnson’s desire to live forever and his extensive efforts to increase his chances of doing so. In my view, and according to longevity researchers, his efforts are unlikely to succeed. Furthermore, I personally believe that Johnson is capitalizing on his positive media coverage to profit from those who fear death and have more money than sense.
Johnson frequently appears in the news, and the latest example is a Time magazine article by Charlotte Alter, which, though entertaining, gives him more credit than he deserves. I did find humor in lines like, “He has the body of an 18-year-old and the face of someone who had spent millions attempting to look like an 18-year-old.” Comparing Johnson’s photos from Wiki and Time, it’s clear he’s made choices about his appearance, and while I support his right to do so, it’s an unusual path.
Alter spent a few days with Johnson observing his routine, which includes a calorie-restricted vegan diet, taking 111 supplements daily, and wearing a “tiny jetpack” on his penis at night to measure erections for unclear reasons.
It’s worth noting that there’s no solid scientific backing for Johnson’s lifestyle; it might even be detrimental to his health and sounds quite miserable. Alter includes a comment from longevity researchers who met Johnson and found him looking unhealthy, noting his pallor and lack of body fat, which is important for overall health.
Despite this, some aspects of his routine, like avoiding electronics before bed, could be beneficial if combined with a generally healthy lifestyle. However, his “nighttime penis jetpack” seems like a step too far, though it’s agreed that having one might be beneficial regardless of gender.
Johnson’s fear of driving is actually quite healthy, given the risks associated with cars. If manufacturers installed a device to make drivers acknowledge the dangers before starting the ignition, similar to a breathalyzer, it could save many lives.
Calorie restriction has been a promising avenue for life extension. Reducing calories in short-lived species has extended their lifespans and improved overall health. This has also shown potential in primates, though it might reduce grey matter without impacting cognitive function. However, its effects on human longevity are still uncertain and could take decades to fully understand.
Longevity researchers suggest that having some body fat as we age might help prevent age-related diseases, and the risk of becoming malnourished or obsessively focused on diet needs to be considered. While calorie restriction has a scientific basis, I’m not recommending it.
Dr. Pinchas Cohen’s quote in the Time article, “Death is not optional; it’s written into our genes,” led me to explore the consensus on aging. While it’s true that aging is largely genetic, the limit to human lifespan might be statistical rather than absolute. Advances in health and sanitation have increased average lifespan, but maximum lifespan remains largely unchanged.
Researchers often focus on improving average lifespan and healthspan, the portion of life spent healthy, rather than extending maximum lifespan. Given the current state of science and public health, this seems like a more practical focus.
Bryan Johnson’s efforts to avoid death might stem from a deep-seated fear of mortality. Having accumulated wealth from founding Braintree, he turned to various ventures, including neurotechnology and now a company called Blueprint, which markets products under the guise of extending life. His latest offering, a bottle of olive oil at a high price, seems like a clear example of exploitation.
In summary, while Johnson’s approach to longevity might be rooted in genuine fear and an egocentric desire to extend his own life, it may not contribute positively to humanity. Some people might prefer to invest in unusual methods rather than addressing their fears in healthier ways, like through therapy.
This post contains a video, which you can also view here.
