The Longevity Experiment: Bryan Johnson's Bold Mission to Reverse Ageing

Bryan Johnson, a tech millionaire turned self-experimenter, has set his sights on an ambitious goal: reversing the ageing process. This mission is captured in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, where Johnson delves into extreme biohacking practices to try and slow down (or even stop) the inevitable. 

While his methods might seem a bit out there, the conversation he’s sparking about longevity and self-optimisation is definitely worth paying attention to - so we’ve taken a deep dive!

Who is Bryan Johnson?

You might know Bryan Johnson as the founder of Braintree, a payment processing company that was acquired by PayPal for a hefty sum of $800 million.  Rather than retire to a life of luxury, he’s focused on something much bigger: defying the biological clock. Johnson believes that science and technology could allow us to push the boundaries of human life, and he’s testing it on himself.

As Johnson puts it in the documentary, “Death is always inevitable, but I’m asking this question: are we the first generation that won’t die?” (The Guardian, 2025).  Bold, right? It’s a thought-provoking idea, and one that’s driving his quest.

Inside the Documentary: Don't Die

In Don’t Die, director Chris Smith follows Johnson’s journey as he commits to his self-proclaimed"Blueprint" protocol—a strict regimen designed to slow his biological clock. From intense workouts to innovative treatments, Johnson is pushing his body to its limits in pursuit of eternal youth. But, as the documentary reveals, it’s not all smooth sailing.

Johnson is the first to admit it’s not an easy journey. As he says in the film, “I’m doing all of this so I can be the healthiest person in the world, and yet, every day, I’m battling my body” . It’s not all glamorous, but it’s certainly an intriguing experiment to follow.

The Blueprint Protocol: What Does It Actually Look Like?

If you’re thinking about trying to turn back the clock (spoiler: probably not, but it’s fun to imagine), here's what Bryan Johnson does every day:

• Eating Clean: His diet is strictly controlled, focusing on plant-based foods and calorie restriction to maintain optimal health.

• Supplements Galore: Johnson takes over 50 supplements a day—yes, you read that right. He’s all about antioxidants, anti-aging compounds, and anything that could keep his body youthful.

• Exercise & Recovery: Johnson follows a rigorous fitness regime, including high-intensity cardio and weightlifting, with some recovery methods thrown in, such as cold plunges and meditation.

• Biomarker Tracking: He tracks over 100 biomarkers, constantly adjusting his routine based on the data. His obsession with the numbers is next-level, but hey, he’s got the resources to make it work.

According to Johnson, “See those spikes? That’s my max heart rate of 189, showing a biological age of 31” . Impressive, right? But it's not something most of us can realistically mimic.

Is It All Too Much?

While Johnson’s journey might seem like the ultimate dream for some, others might raise an eyebrow at the sheer intensity of it all. After all, how sustainable is a lifestyle that costs millions of pounds a year and demands near-constant monitoring of every aspect of your health?

As a scientist in the documentary comments, “A lot of what Bryan is doing is untested, and we have to be cautious when trying out therapies that lack proven science behind them” . It's definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. The bottom line? Take what works for you and leave the rest.

The Philosophy Behind the Mission

For Johnson, this whole experiment is about more than just looking younger—it’s about changing the entire conversation around life and death. He sees the potential for biotechnology and artificial intelligence to radically transform humanity. In his words, “It’s not just fixing the system. It’s fixing the zeitgeist” .

It's a grand vision, no doubt. Johnson isn’t just thinking about himself—he’s trying to create a future where we all can take charge of our longevity. “The question is not ‘Can I live forever?’ It’s, ‘Can I make the world’s future healthier, longer?” . It’s an interesting take, but is it something we can realistically all aim for?

The Critics Weigh In

Of course, not everyone is on board with Johnson’s approach. Many experts point out that his biohacking methods haven’t been thoroughly tested, and they worry about the long-term implications. One expert in the film notes, “Trying to achieve results like this without clear evidence can be risky. We need more science, not just anecdotal data” .

There are  also  ethical concerns. With a price tag of over £2 million a year, Johnson’s lifestyle is far beyond the reach of most people. Critics argue that his approach might set unrealistic expectations, especially since he has the financial freedom to experiment in ways that most of us simply can't afford.

Final Thoughts: Inspiration or Obsession?

So, is Bryan Johnson a visionary, or is he just a little obsessed? It’s hard to say. While most may see his quest as a little extreme, others might find inspiration in his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As Johnson says, “If we don’t try to push the limits, then we’ll never know how far we can go” .

While we hope that Bryan Johnson’s groundbreaking approach to longevity might lead to discoveries that benefit all of humankind, we believe that the true value of life lies in the quality of our time, not necessarily the length of it. Living a fulfilling, balanced life doesn’t always mean trying to turn back the clock—it’s about making the most of every moment. By finding simple, attainable ways to optimise our health, we can enjoy the present, feel our best, and create meaningful experiences, all without the pressure to constantly strive for immortality. After all, it’s not just about living longer, it’s about living well.