The quest for eternal youth is an age-old pursuit, with roots stretching back millennia. From China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who tragically met his end through mercury poisoning in his relentless search for immortality, to today's tech billionaires, the fascination with defying aging persists.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is funding stem cell research, while Mark Zuckerberg, of Meta, is investing millions in anti-aging science. But perhaps the most renowned, and certainly the most controversial, is Bryan Johnson's 'Don't Die' movement. Johnson has explored radical avenues, including plasma exchanges with his son, but primarily advocates a stringent daily regimen. His routine involves a plethora of supplements, oxygen chamber sessions, red light therapy, and a disciplined exercise program. He has entire teams dedicated to monitoring every aspect of his physical and mental health, with the ambitious goal of achieving eternal life, or at least an extraordinarily extended lifespan.
In 2025, longevity emerged as the top global consumer trend, with an increasing number of individuals seeking treatments to enhance their appearance and extend their lives. From cryochambers that promise to boost energy and reduce inflammation to tests that reveal the speed of aging, the options are diverse and intriguing.
We embarked on a journey to delve into this multi-billion-dollar industry, visiting a leading rejuvenation clinic in Shanghai. Here, we were introduced to the machines and diet supplements that claim to turn back the hands of time. I managed to endure two minutes in the cryochamber at -100°C, a challenging experience that left me questioning the boundaries of comfort and the surreal nature of such treatments.
The clinic even boasted a leaderboard showcasing the biological age reversal achieved by its clients. One man, aged 60, had reduced his 'cell age' from 55 to 50 after just six months.
Gan Yu, the co-founder of the company, shared that they started seven years ago, but the business has truly flourished in the last two years. She attributes this success to the proliferation of research and advancements in technology, which are yielding more effective age-defying results. However, she acknowledges that the majority of their clients are wealthy, expressing hope that as the industry evolves, costs will decrease, making these treatments more accessible to a broader population.
Perhaps in the future, red light therapy rooms will become a common feature in our homes?
Improvements in healthcare and living standards have significantly increased global life expectancy, rising from just 46 years in the 1950s to 73.5 years today. In China, the population of individuals over 60 now exceeds one-fifth, surpassing 300 million for the first time last year.
But achieving longevity may not require the complexity of cryochambers and vitamin cocktails. We traveled to Bama County in southern China, a region renowned for its longevity. With its lush mountains, pristine air, and mineral-rich water, the residents of Bama are known to live well into their hundreds.
Their secret lies not in unique genes, but in maintaining low stress levels, fostering strong friendships, and engaging in daily physical activity through walking or farming.
At the local market, we met the 100-year-old Huang Mahan, who was roasting and selling pumpkin seeds. Despite her age, she continued to serve customers and package her toasted seeds while sharing her wisdom for a long life. Her advice was simple: eat plenty of vegetables, especially corn, and drink lots of water daily.
Bama attracts millions of 'longevity' pilgrims each year, tourists drawn to the region's unique atmosphere and local produce, which is rich in selenium, a mineral linked to good health.
Scientists have long studied places like Bama, where the number of centenarians is above average, to determine the factors contributing to not only longer lives but also healthier ones. Some of the herbs and minerals sold on Bama's streets are now packaged and sold as supplements or creams in supermarkets.
It is the advent of new technology, however, that has transformed longevity into a booming industry. Whether it's testing extreme temperatures, pure oxygen, or gene therapies, scientists are continually refining their age-defying concepts.
The allure of eternal youth is undeniable, but there's also much to be said for embracing the wisdom and grace that come with age.
For a concise and expert overview of the latest news, listen to our podcasts to discover 'What You Need To Know' about the biggest stories.
