Bryan Johnson, 47, uses cutting-edge therapies and his teenage son’s blood plasma in his quest to reverse ageing and achieve the vitality of an 18-year-old

Bryan Johnson, a multimillionaire biohacker, has spent $2 million annually in a relentless quest to turn back the clock and reclaim the vitality of an 18-year-old. Johnson, 47, whose journey into anti-aging began after selling his tech company Braintree Venmo to PayPal for $800 million in 2013, has devoted his life to exploring the frontiers of longevity science.

Johnson’s unconventional approach to ageing has included using his teenage son’s blood plasma in a pioneering multigenerational plasma exchange. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared a photo with his son, encouraging other adults to teach their children “the ways of don’t die.” This involves leading by example with adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, exercise, and a supportive community.

Despite his willingness to experiment with extreme techniques, Johnson’s plasma exchange yielded no detectable benefits. He acknowledged on social media that while young plasma exchange might benefit older individuals, it did not enhance his extensive anti-ageing regimen. However, Johnson remains undeterred, continuing to utilize a team of 30 doctors and various innovative treatments to slow his ageing process.

Johnson’s dedication extends beyond traditional methods. He has scientifically slowed his aging to the point where he celebrates his birthday every 19 months. This milestone was achieved through follistatin gene therapy, a process that boosts the body’s production of a protein crucial for muscle growth, inflammation control, and fertility. Johnson proudly shared that his muscle mass increased by 7%, and his follistatin levels surged by 160% following the therapy.

His quest did not stop there. In June, Johnson underwent a cutting-edge procedure aimed at rejuvenating his joints to an 18-year-old’s condition. This involved injecting 300 million young Swedish bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into his shoulders, hips, and joints. Johnson emphasizes that these advanced therapies, combined with foundational habits like sleep, diet, and exercise, are crucial in his pursuit of longevity.

Johnson’s journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to a disciplined biohacker began with a personal transformation. He once struggled with stress-induced overeating, which led to weight gain and poor sleep. By creating a system to better care for himself, he managed to turn his life around. Johnson believes that rigorous adherence to basic health principles can significantly slow aging and improve overall health.

As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in anti-ageing science, Johnson aims to prove that reversing biological age is attainable. His progress has garnered admiration on social media, with many noting his youthful appearance alongside his son. Johnson hopes his efforts will pave the way for future generations to choose “continuous tomorrows” and defy the limitations of ageing.

Analysis

Political Johnson’s endeavours highlight the broader implications of biohacking and anti-ageing research on public health policy. As individuals like Johnson pioneer new longevity therapies, governments may need to consider regulations and funding for similar treatments. The potential to extend healthy lifespans could shift healthcare priorities, emphasizing preventive measures and personalized medicine over traditional reactive approaches.

Social Johnson’s story resonates with a societal fascination with youth and longevity. His commitment to anti-ageing underscores a cultural obsession with maintaining vitality and defying the natural ageing process. This narrative challenges conventional views on ageing, promoting a proactive approach to health and well-being. As more people become aware of such possibilities, societal norms around ageing and self-care may evolve, encouraging healthier lifestyles and greater investment in longevity research.

Racial While Johnson’s specific methods and treatments have not directly addressed racial disparities in healthcare, his high-profile pursuit of youth could draw attention to inequalities in access to cutting-edge medical treatments. Historically marginalized communities often face barriers to advanced healthcare, and Johnson’s story might spur discussions on ensuring equitable access to emerging longevity therapies. Addressing these disparities is crucial to prevent a widening health gap as new technologies become available.

Gender Johnson’s biohacking journey also touches on gender dynamics within health and ageing. Traditionally, anti-aging narratives have predominantly targeted women, with a focus on cosmetic procedures and beauty standards. Johnson’s highly publicized efforts highlight that men are equally invested in maintaining youth and vitality. This shift could lead to a more inclusive conversation around ageing and self-care, breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging holistic health practices for all.

Economical The economic implications of Johnson’s quest are significant. The burgeoning anti-ageing industry, fueled by individuals like Johnson, is driving innovation and investment in biotechnology and healthcare. His expenditures on advanced therapies and medical teams illustrate the high cost of cutting-edge treatments. As these technologies develop, there may be economic benefits, such as job creation in the biotech sector and reduced healthcare costs through preventative care. However, the challenge remains to make these treatments affordable and accessible to a broader population.