Tech Billionaires Pursue Immortality: Insights from Luke O’Neill

Tech billionaires are increasingly drawn to innovative methods for extending human life, engaging in a range of practices from unconventional diets to advanced medical treatments. In a recent episode of the Show Me the Science podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill delved into this intriguing phenomenon, highlighting the lengths to which some members of the tech elite are willing to go in their pursuit of longevity.

During the discussion, Prof. O’Neill noted that many of these billionaires share a common goal: to extend their lives indefinitely. “Several of them want to live forever,” he stated. He elaborated on how their investments in various companies and personal health experiments reflect a broader trend focused on achieving a healthy old age. Prof. O’Neill emphasized that while some motivations might stem from vanity, there is potential for beneficial discoveries that could impact public health. “If they make discoveries to slow down ageing, we’d all benefit,” he remarked, underscoring the connection between ageing and diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis.

One particularly striking example mentioned by Prof. O’Neill is Bryan Johnson, founder of Braintree, which was acquired by eBay. Johnson has attracted attention for his extreme health practices, including receiving plasma infusions from his own 17-year-old son. “Isn’t that a bit strange?” Prof. O’Neill questioned, although he acknowledged that scientific research indicates young blood may have rejuvenating effects. He explained that studies have shown young blood can enhance the physiology of older mice, and a specific protein called GDF11 might be responsible for this effect.

In addition to plasma infusions, Johnson adheres to a rigorous vegan diet that Prof. O’Neill described as consisting mainly of “brown slush.” The professor humorously noted, “There’s a great phrase in this business of ageing research—you mightn’t live long enough, but it’ll feel like it because you’re doing all these miserable things.” He expressed a cautious optimism about the billionaires’ ventures, stating, “Fair play to them at one level; they are putting their billions to the test, and we might all benefit from their experiments.”

For those not among the tech elite, Prof. O’Neill offered practical advice for enhancing longevity. Simple lifestyle choices can significantly impact life expectancy. He recommended reducing sugar and alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, engaging in regular exercise, and fostering social connections.

While the extravagant approaches of tech billionaires may seem extreme, the underlying message from Prof. O’Neill is clear: advancements in longevity research hold promise not just for the wealthy but for society as a whole. As these billionaires invest their fortunes in the quest for immortality, the potential for significant medical breakthroughs could ultimately benefit everyone.