Dave Asprey, a 52-year-old bestselling author widely credited as the founder of the biohacking movement, has unveiled his ambitious goal to live to 180 years old, sharing the tricks he believes can help people maintain a youthful appearance and vitality. At the core of his anti-ageing philosophy lies psychological health, which he argues is more critical than any supplement or device.
The Power of Forgiveness in Longevity
Asprey emphasises that negative self-talk and emotional baggage are significant ageing accelerators. He stated, 'So many people actually hate their bodies or hate themselves. Negative self-talk is the most self-destructive ageing accelerator that we have.' His secret to slowing the ageing process is letting go of resentment, insisting that no technological gadget or pill can outperform the act of forgiveness.
'The number one technology to use if you want to live a very long time and be happy is forgiveness,' Asprey explained. 'Any grudge you're holding, any aversion, any hatred, any anger. If you can be triggered, it means you're carrying a loaded gun and someone else's finger is on the trigger.' This psychological approach forms the foundation of his longevity strategy, challenging conventional anti-ageing methods.
High-Tech Routines and Dietary Advice
Alongside emotional control, Asprey incorporates advanced skin technology into his daily routine. He uses a device called the LYMA Laser PRO for cellular rejuvenation and AI-powered exercise machines for cardio and weight training, which are calibrated to his weight and engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Over decades, he has invested an estimated $2.5 million in efforts to reverse his biological age.
His top tips for achieving a 180-year lifespan include prioritising quality sleep, consuming high-quality animal protein, and avoiding excessive exercise. Asprey challenges plant-based diet trends, asserting, 'If you want to make someone old quickly, put them on a vegan diet. If you want to destroy their fertility, put them on a vegan diet.' He advocates nutrient-dense animal protein as essential for longevity nutrition.
Fitness and Sleep Insights
Regarding fitness, Asprey pushes back against intense daily workouts, suggesting moderation is key. 'You do not have to work out every day. In fact, that will probably make you old,' he said. 'Twenty minutes a week of exercise that causes your muscles to grow is sufficient.' This minimalist approach contrasts with common fitness advice but aligns with his biohacking principles.
In 2024, Asprey also highlighted the link between blood sugar levels and sleep disturbances. He explained that dips in glucose can trigger cortisol and adrenaline release, waking people between 3 to 5 am. To combat this, he recommends a small pre-bed snack like raw honey, collagen, or MCT oil—a supplement derived from coconut oil and dairy—to provide sustained energy without blood sugar crashes.
Extreme Biohacking Treatments
Describing himself as the 'father of biohacking,' Asprey's age-defying treatments include gene therapy costing around £25,000 per shot, injections of his own filtered urine for allergy therapy, and stem cell injections into his legs, arms, face, neck, and penis to reduce inflammation and heal injuries. His daily routine features a specialised diet, over 100 supplements, ice baths, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and red light therapy.
A multimillionaire who made his fortune in Silicon Valley and founded the Bulletproof Coffee brand, Asprey continues to promote biohacking as a means to maximise human performance through biological manipulation. His holistic blend of psychological wellness, cutting-edge technology, and controversial dietary advice offers a unique perspective on extending lifespan and enhancing quality of life.
