Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson is on a tireless mission to live longer, a quest documented in the Netflix film Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever. Johnson, now 47, has dedicated his life and a considerable chunk of his wealth to researching science and technology-based approaches to slowing or even reversing aging. But as he explains to people, optimal health isn’t always about costly treatments.

Johnson, who has become famous for his ambitious Project Blueprint, has reportedly reversed his biological age by more than five years and attained what he refers to as "perfect biomarkers." His regimen consists of rigorous daily habits, such as exercise, supplements, and experimental treatments, all designed to prolong life as much as humanly possible. But in addition to his individual quest, he also takes issue with the prevailing assumptions regarding what it means to live well, contending that numerous popular lifestyle decisions are actually leading to early death.

The Origins of His Mission:

Johnson's fascination with longevity was initiated at the age of 21 when he was a missionary in Ecuador, where he saw rampant poverty. This experience fueled his desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, though he wasn’t sure how. His initial goal? Build wealth by age 30 and then use that success to pursue something meaningful.

After selling his company, Braintree Venmo, at 34, he found himself at a crossroads. Battling depression, undergoing a divorce, and leaving his Mormon faith, he had to rebuild his life from scratch. That period of transformation led him to invest $100 million into fields like synthetic biology, genomics, and nanotechnology. He also developed what he calls "the world's best brain measurement interface." Eventually, these interests converged into one guiding principle: don’t die.

Achieving Longevity Without Expensive Treatments:

While Johnson has spent millions optimizing his health, he insists that many longevity benefits come from basic lifestyle choices. “Sleep is a professional activity,” he emphasizes. He advocates that humans ought to take sleep as seriously as work—early bedtime, being discipline, and taking pride in rest.

He also takes sleep specialists' tips: no screens before bed, have a nightly bedtime routine, and dine at least two hours prior to sleeping. "If I eat too late or have too much, it destroys my sleep," he says.

Although his scientific testing is vast, Johnson claims the roots of longevity lie in mere routines: getting enough sleep, daily exercise, a healthy diet, and not using harmful substances. “The good news is, you don’t need expensive treatments to achieve good health,” he says.

A Father's Perspective on Health:

One of Johnson’s three children, Talmage, has joined him in following Project Blueprint. As a father, Johnson says it’s a natural instinct to want the best for his kids. However, he acknowledges that not all of them share his lifestyle choices. “My other two children are more likely to be seen at a fast-food drive-thru than with me,” he admits. “That really breaks my heart.”

Reflecting on his own upbringing, Johnson says his parents simply didn’t have the information available today about the effects of poor nutrition. “Now that we do know, and people still make unhealthy choices, that’s what’s heartbreaking.”

The Last Time He Ate Processed Food:

Johnson rarely strays from his strict dietary regimen, but he recalls a recent exception. “A month or two ago, a friend convinced me to try a flavored tortilla chip,” he shares. “He told me, ‘Come on, just try one. Let me bring you to the dark side.‘”

After taking a bite, Johnson was immediately repulsed. “It tasted like gasoline—just pure chemicals. And I told him, ‘You don’t even realize how bad this tastes because your body has normalized it.’“

Addressing His Critics:

Many argue that Johnson is so focused on not dying that he’s missing out on truly living. He sees it differently.

“People associate joy with behaviors that actually accelerate aging and disease,” he says. “Drinking with friends, staying up late, overeating—these habits disrupt sleep, cause health problems, and make people feel awful the next day. Yet, they consider it fun.”

Johnson describes this as part of a broader “die culture,” where harmful habits are normalized as ways to enjoy life. But he believes true happiness stems from health. “I’ve never felt better—mentally, physically, or spiritually,” he says. “When I look at the happiest people, they’re usually the healthiest. They sleep well, eat well, and exercise. That’s what leads to a fulfilling life.”

References:

1. People. "Don't Die: Bryan Johnson's Eternal Life Blueprint Documentary." People, n.d. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://people.com/dont-die-bryan-johnson-eternal-life-blueprint-documentary-8768098.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)