Bryan Johnson, at 45 years old, leads a life meticulously designed to push the boundaries of human longevity.
His minimalist bedroom remains completely dark at night, accompanied by the steady hum of an expensive air filter and a white noise machine. These measures seem effective, as Johnson routinely scores in the 99th percentile for sleep quality.
The Rigor of His Morning Routine
Each morning begins at 5 a.m. when his alarm goes off. Johnson then consumes a staggering two dozen supplements, both in powder and pill forms, before heading to his home gym for an hour-long workout. His commitment to avoiding UV exposure is evident in his pale, smooth skin, which he maintains as part of his anti-aging regimen.
Post-workout, Johnson consumes a green juice infused with creatine and collagen peptides—key nutrients that promote the health of teeth, skin, bones, and cartilage. His dental care routine includes brushing with tea-tree oil and an antioxidant gel rinse. As the day winds down, he dons blue-light-blocking glasses for two hours before bed to optimize his sleep cycle.
A Silicon Valley-Inspired Vision
Johnson’s lifestyle is rooted in Silicon Valley’s avant-garde and sometimes controversial biotech scene. This ethos was parodied in HBO’s Silicon Valley (2017), where a tech mogul used a “blood boy” for transfusions in pursuit of youth. This fictional scenario was based on parabiosis experiments where older mice, connected to younger ones, displayed rejuvenated organs and health benefits.
Johnson has taken this concept a step further, completing the first father-son-grandfather blood plasma exchange as part of his personal health experiments. His dedication to fitness is equally intense, incorporating weight training and cardiovascular routines, including three high-intensity workouts per week.
Medical Monitoring and Experimental Procedures
Johnson undergoes an array of monthly medical procedures to track his physical state, including blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, and colonoscopies. He monitors his vital signs multiple times daily, using the data to fine-tune his program.
His experiments also delve into the unconventional, such as using electromagnetic pulses to activate pelvic floor muscles or weekly IPL laser treatments to rejuvenate his skin.
Among the more unusual aspects of his regimen is a device that tracks the number of erections he has during sleep—a measure of sleep quality, with the average man experiencing five per night.
Bryan Johnson (Photo: Getty Images)
Dr. Jeff Toll, one of the physicians on Johnson’s team, notes:
“I treat athletes and Hollywood celebrities, and no one is pushing the envelope as much as Bryan.”
Johnson’s efforts appear to be paying off. Tests indicate that his heart functions like that of a 37-year-old, his skin resembles that of a 28-year-old, and his fitness level mirrors that of an 18-year-old.
Motivation Beyond Mortality
Despite accusations of narcissism and eccentricity, Johnson insists that his project, dubbed Project Blueprint, is less about a fear of death and more about advancing science. His ultimate goal is to prove that the aging process is not inevitable.
Johnson’s journey began after selling his payment processing company, Braintree Payment Solutions, to eBay for $800 million in 2013. The stress of running the business had taken its toll, leading to weight gain, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Determined to reverse these effects, Johnson committed to a rigorous, 1,950-calorie vegan diet, often in liquid or semi-liquid form, and an annual expenditure of nearly $2 million on his health regimen.
Controversy and Criticism
Not everyone supports Johnson’s methods. Critics on social media suggest he should add a psychiatrist to his team, while others mock his extreme measures. Still, Johnson’s efforts have generated intrigue and skepticism alike.
A potential profit motive also fuels debate. Johnson plans to market an anti-aging program modeled on his regimen, costing users around $27,000 annually, with optional upgrades for more intensive measures. However, given Johnson’s financial standing, cynics question whether profit alone drives his efforts.
The Pursuit of Innovation or Futility?
Now two years into Project Blueprint, Johnson boasts remarkable results, with his organs reflecting youthful vitality. Yet, the inevitability of aging and mortality remains a sobering reality.
For most people, replicating Johnson’s lifestyle is impractical due to the financial and time demands. His exhaustive schedule and painful procedures raise questions about the balance between extending life and living it fully.
As for the rest of us, it’s clear that adopting healthier habits can still yield significant benefits. While Bryan Johnson dedicates his life to the pursuit of longevity, others may prefer to enjoy the occasional indulgence—like a cheat meal at Wendy’s—while striving to maintain a more balanced and attainable approach to health.
