Latest news with #longevity
National Post
31 minutes ago
- Business
- National Post
Why biohacker Bryan Johnson wants to sell his anti-aging business to build a new religion
Tech entrepreneur and longevity crusader is thinking of ditching his 'pain-in-the-ass' anti-aging nutrition and supplements company to focus on his 'Don't Die' movement, a community of likeminded biohackers 'united in defeating all causes of human and planetary death.' Article content In a lengthy interview with Wired, the 47-year-old California multimillionaire said he is 'so close' to shutting down or selling Blueprint, a wellness company devoted to 'maximally slowing' aging and reversing aging that's already occurred. Article content Article content 'I've been talking to people about this. I don't need the money, and it's a pain-in-the-ass company,' Johnson told Wired's Katie Drummond. Article content Article content Johnson said Blueprint evolved from his own personal search for a clean, low-in-heavy-metals protein powder into a business venture that was just 'trying to do people a solid. The problem is now people see the business and give me less credibility on the philosophy side. I will not make that trade off … So yeah, I don't want it.' Article content The self-described most measured human on the planet, Johnson takes 40 odd vitamins and supplements daily as well as hundreds of daily measurements of his heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and other body organs so that they may 'speak for themselves what they need to be in their ideal state.' Article content In 2023, Johnson, his then 17-year-old son and Johnson's father participated in a multi-generational plasma exchange. Johnson received plasma from a litre of blood siphoned from his son at a Texas spa in the hope his son's blood would make him younger. Article content The plasma swap apparently had a null effect: In January, Johnson posted on X that he was no longer injecting his son's blood and had 'upgraded' to another controversial plasma protocol. Article content I am no longer injecting my son's blood. I've upgraded to something else: total plasma exchange. Steps: 1. Take out all blood from body 2. Separate plasma from blood 3. Replace plasma with 5% albumin & IVIG Here's my bag of plasma. Who wants it? 🧵 — Bryan Johnson (@bryan_johnson) January 28, 2025 Article content Johnson eats all the day's food before noon and sticks to a strict high-fibre, 'veggies and legumes,' no alcohol, no sugar diet that makes him feel sharper while avoiding 'post meal dead zones,' he's shared on X. Article content Last year, in a therapy dubbed 'Project Baby Face,' Johnson attempted to restore volume he's lost on his face from a calorie-reduced diet with fat injections in his temple, cheeks and chin. He didn't have enough of is own body fat so he used donor fat. It didn't go well: 'Immediately following the injections, my face began to blow up,' Johnson posted on Instagram. 'And then it got worse, and worse, and worse until I couldn't even see,' a severe allergic reaction. Article content What is Project Blueprint? Article content Johnson has explained how, In 2021, 'I endeavoured to figure out proximity to longevity escape velocity. How far away are we from one year of chronological time passing and one staying the same age biologically? I called this Project Blueprint.'
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Eat More of This One Vegetable for a Long, Healthy Life, Dietitians Say
If you want to eat for longevity, look no further than vegetables. They're packed with nutrients that support overall health, helping you live a long and thriving life. The good news? All vegetables can benefit your lifespan, so there are plenty of options to choose from. But if one vegetable came out on top, what would it be? To find out, we asked registered dietitian Nisha Melvani, MS, RD, to share the best vegetable for longevity and living well. The Best Vegetable for Longevity When asked to name the top vegetable for longevity, Melvani called out kale, a popular and versatile leafy green. Thanks to its rich content of essential nutrients—particularly antioxidants and fiber—kale tops other vegetables in the category of longevity. 'Kale contains several important antioxidants,' Melvani says. These include carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene) and vitamin C, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, she says. It's a noteworthy effect for longevity, as chronic oxidative stress can contribute to chronic diseases, which can shorten your lifespan. Additionally, vitamin C 'supports immune function by promoting the production and function of white blood cells, helping the body fight infections more effectively,' Melvani adds. 'Vitamin C also aids in wound healing and helps maintain healthy skin by supporting collagen production.' This prevents illness-causing germs from entering the body, keeping you healthy and well. Finally, kale provides glucosinolates, or compounds that are linked to a lower risk of chronic disease due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Plus, kale is a stellar source of fiber. According to Melvani, this includes insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool and encourages regular bowel movements, and soluble fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. The latter also supports the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut, which reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system, Melvani says. Soluble fiber also manages blood cholesterol and blood sugar, which is key for reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, respectively. 'By supporting gut health, lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar, and reducing chronic inflammation, the fiber in kale may help prevent age-related diseases and promote a longer, healthier life,' Melvani says. The longevity-boosting benefits of kale don't stop there. 'Kale is rich in nutrients that are important for strong, healthy bones,' Melvani says. 'It provides vitamin K, which helps the body make proteins needed for bone mineralization and strength.' Kale also offers calcium, which builds and maintains bone density, and magnesium, which supports bone structure and helps the body use calcium effectively. Together, these nutrients can strengthen bones, potentially reducing the risk of falls that can lead to serious fractures and ultimately, a poorer quality of life. How to Eat More Kale As a versatile vegetable, kale can be added to a variety of recipes. Here are some of our favorite ways to eat more kale. Blend in Smoothies Upgrade your next smoothie with a handful of kale. Not a fan of the vegetable's bitter flavor? Blend it with a naturally sweet ingredient, like pineapple or maple syrup. If you need inspiration, try it in our kale apple smoothie. Stir in Soups Bulk up your next soup, stew, or chili with kale. Simply cook the dish as usual, then add sliced kale and stir for five minutes, or until the leaves wilt. It will add a pop of color and nutrients, as seen in our sweet potato and kale tortilla soup. Toss in Salads Kale makes for an excellent salad base, so long as you prepare it right; be sure to massage the leaves with olive oil or, at the very least, let it sit in an acidic dressing. This will make the tough leafy green more tender and palatable to eat. Sauté a Side Dish For a simple way to enjoy kale, sauté the leaves with olive oil (another longevity-friendly ingredient) and your favorite spices. Serve alongside protein or as part of loaded sweet potatoes with coconut and kale. Roast Until Crispy The next time you're craving a crunchy snack, make kale chips. Toss kale leaves in olive oil and spices, then roast until crispy. Tip: Enjoy kale chips as a soup topper! Read the original article on Real Simple
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to get the anti-ageing benefits of fasting without having to give up eating
Humans have been practising fasts for millennia. Our bodies are built to fast: 'It is literally the reason we carry body fat,' explains Dr Jason Fung, a nephrologist, fasting expert and the author of The Obesity Code. When the body goes into fasting mode it supports cellular rejuvenation and longevity. However, most of us cannot stick to an extended fast, drinking nothing but water, and still live a normal life. Cue a little known molecule called spermidine, found in everything from blue cheese and mushrooms to wheat germ and soybeans, that is rapidly becoming one of most talked-about topics in longevity research. Some scientists even believe it may be one of the key reasons why some people live longer than others because it helps to rid the body of damaged cells linked to ageing. 'There is no other longevity compound on the market that packs as big a punch as spermidine. By activating the body's vital cell renewal and recycling process – called autophagy (which also occurs when you fast) – it targets ageing at the source. This looks like reduced inflammation, rejuvenated cells and enhanced hair growth, all a result of the cellular clean-up occurring within,' says Leslie Kenny, the founder of Oxford Healthspan and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project. 'I make a point of eating spermidine-rich food every day – such as lentils, beans, peas and mushrooms. I also add a food-derived spermidine supplement with the minimum effective daily dose (1mg) shown to improve memory in older adults with subjective cognitive decline,' she says. Recent research backs up what she says. And unlike some other longevity trends, spermidine isn't just for lab mice. Human studies, including a 13-year observational trial and several clinical studies in older adults, have linked higher spermidine intake with better memory, lower blood pressure and even a reduced risk of death. Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods, especially those from plant sources and fermented products. Plants, animals and microbes produce spermidine naturally during metabolism. So, any fresh or unprocessed food will contain it to some degree. What makes spermidine stand out is its ability to stimulate a process called autophagy, a kind of internal cellular spring-cleaning that clears out damaged cells and helps cells work more efficiently. As we age, this process slows down, contributing to the development of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. But spermidine appears to reactivate autophagy even in older cells, offering a drug-free method of slowing ageing. 'Think of it as a molecular amplifier for health,' says Nektarios Tavernarakis, the author of a study in Nature Cell Biology into the health effects of spermidine. 'It helps cells tidy themselves, boosting resilience, energy production and potentially warding off disease.' His research identified spermidine as essential to the longevity benefits of fasting. Fasting naturally increases autophagy, the body's cellular 'clean-up' process, and spermidine mimics and enhances this effect by promoting the same pathways. This cellular renewal helps reduce age-related damage and inflammation. Spermidine and brain health Cognitive decline is one of the most feared consequences of ageing, but spermidine could offer hope. A clinical trial published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that three months of spermidine supplementation improved memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The SmartAge trial, published in GeroScience, also found improvements in memory and reductions in inflammatory markers in participants aged 60 to 90. So, how does it work? 'Spermidine stimulates autophagy, which breaks down faulty proteins that otherwise accumulate in the brain and are linked to Alzheimer's disease,' explains Tavernarakis. This 'cellular housekeeping' clears the way for neurons to function better. Andrew Steele, who worked at the Francis Crick Institute decoding DNA and author of Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old, is cautiously optimistic: 'It's likely spermidine provides a general slowing of biological ageing. That may benefit the brain just as much as the heart or gut.' He adds: 'In animal studies, it's helped restore cognitive and motor function. And in humans, we've seen memory improvements.' 'Evidence suggests those consuming more spermidine, mostly in a Mediterranean diet, have better brain (function) and higher life expectancy,' says Dr Stefan Kiechl, a professor of neurology at Innsbruck University, Austria, and one of the world's leading researchers into the health effects of spermidine. How spermidine improves heart health Heart disease remains the world's leading cause of death. New research suggests spermidine could also protect your heart. In aged mice, spermidine supplementation has been shown to enhance heart elasticity, reduce fibrosis (stiffening) and improve mitochondrial function, which supports energy production within cells. 'It mimics some of the benefits of exercise and caloric restriction,' says Tavernarakis, who has studied spermidine's effects on cardiometabolic health. 'People with high spermidine intake tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,' he says. A study from Nutrients (2024), using UK Biobank data, reported not only fewer heart attacks but a significant reduction in all-cause mortality for those with high dietary spermidine. 'In our population studies, individuals with higher spermidine consumption, primarily from Mediterranean diets, had better heart health,' notes Kiechl. 'And the anti-inflammatory effects may also play a key role.' Other studies support his claim and a 2024 UK Biobank study also linked higher polyamine intake with fewer heart problems and an 18 per cent reduction in early death. Spermidine and cancer Emerging research highlights spermidine's potential in cancer prevention through several mechanisms. By triggering autophagy, spermidine can lower the chance of cells turning cancerous. A 2018 review in Nature Reviews Cancer found how autophagy can prevent the initiation of tumours by maintaining healthy cells in the body. Spermidine also supports immune function, particularly by rejuvenating T cells, which are crucial for identifying and eliminating cancer cells. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that spermidine supplementation restored T cell function in aged mice, improving immune surveillance against tumours. Spermidine and gut health Another area where spermidine shows promise is the gut, particularly through its influence on the gut microbiome. The gut plays a dual role when it comes to spermidine. It is where spermidine from food gets absorbed into the body. But also many of the beneficial microbes in your digestive system, especially in the colon, naturally produce spermidine as part of their normal activity. 'Because it boosts autophagy, spermidine supports the gut barrier and helps maintain healthy microbial balance,' says Steele. 'This could be important for preventing chronic gut inflammation and related disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic syndrome.' Although research is still in the early stages, some studies suggest that spermidine may help keep the lining of the gut strong and intact, preventing harmful substances, like toxins, bacteria and partially digested food particles, from leaking into the body and triggering inflammation. There is also evidence that it helps gut-residing immune cells function better, which could be especially beneficial as we age. Adding spermidine to your diet One of the easiest and safest ways to get more spermidine is through your diet. Aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, whole grains and legumes are all good sources. Wheat germ is especially high in spermidine, which you can sprinkle on your yogurt or cereal at breakfast. A tablespoon of wheat germ provides around 1.2 milligrams of spermidine, and 100g of mushrooms or cheddar can offer up to 10mg. Studies suggest that a daily intake of 5mg to 10mg may support health benefits, which can be achieved through a balanced mix of these foods consumed regularly throughout the week.A large US study found that people with the highest spermidine intake from foods like cereals, vegetables, legumes and cheese had significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Kiechl advises a measured approach for now. 'Evidence is strong but there are no 'gold standard' large-scale intervention trials which are necessary for standard medical recommendations,' he says. As spermidine is naturally found in a wide range of everyday foods, it should be easy to boost intake if you don't want to use supplements. That said, for those who prefer a more targeted approach, there are now a number of spermidine supplements on the market that are specifically tested for purity, safety and consistency. These supplement options provide a potential alternative for those who want to explore spermidine's health benefits in a measured, evidence-aware way, while science continues to catch up. Kenny says spermidine has had a dramatic impact on her health, after she was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in her late 30s. 'The biggest area has been in my hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a biomarker of systemic inflammation in the body. Mine is 0.3 – the same as a healthy teenager. In addition, my biological age, as measured by the GlycanAge test, which measures many other inflammatory markers, shows my biological age as 21. This matters because at 39, I was told inflammation in my body was so out of control, I had only five years left to live. 'Other places I notice are my hair quality and colour – I am 60 and don't dye my hair, or need any hair treatments, because my hair, lashes and brows are all healthy and growing as they would when I was younger. I also get consistently strong deep-sleep scores (60-plus minutes) on my Oura Ring when I take it before bed. This is important because it's only during deep sleep that the glymphatic system, the brain's 'washing machine', gets to work to remove the rubbish that piles up during the day that is associated with dementia.' Spermidine supplements Primeadine Original spermidine, from Oxford Healthspan, co-founded by Leslie Kenny, is developed in Japan from non-GMO wheat germ and is third-party laboratory tested. Longevity Box offers a plant-based spermidine supplement aimed at supporting cellular renewal and healthy ageing. UK-based Youth & Earth also offers a well-regarded spermidine supplement made from high-grade wheat germ extract. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Telegraph
How to get the anti-ageing benefits of fasting without having to give up eating
Humans have been practising fasts for millennia. Our bodies are built to fast: 'It is literally the reason we carry body fat,' explains Dr Jason Fung, a nephrologist, fasting expert and the author of The Obesity Code. When the body goes into fasting mode it supports cellular rejuvenation and longevity. However, most of us cannot stick to an extended fast, drinking nothing but water, and still live a normal life. Cue a little known molecule called spermidine, found in everything from blue cheese and mushrooms to wheat germ and soybeans, that is rapidly becoming one of most talked-about topics in longevity research. Some scientists even believe it may be one of the key reasons why some people live longer than others because it helps to rid the body of damaged cells linked to ageing. 'There is no other longevity compound on the market that packs as big a punch as spermidine. By activating the body's vital cell renewal and recycling process – called autophagy (which also occurs when you fast) – it targets ageing at the source. This looks like reduced inflammation, rejuvenated cells and enhanced hair growth, all a result of the cellular clean-up occurring within,' says Leslie Kenny, the founder of Oxford Healthspan and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project. 'I make a point of eating spermidine-rich food every day – such as lentils, beans, peas and mushrooms. I also add a food-derived spermidine supplement with the minimum effective daily dose (1mg) shown to improve memory in older adults with subjective cognitive decline,' she says. Recent research backs up what she says. And unlike some other longevity trends, spermidine isn't just for lab mice. Human studies, including a 13-year observational trial and several clinical studies in older adults, have linked higher spermidine intake with better memory, lower blood pressure and even a reduced risk of death. Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods, especially those from plant sources and fermented products. Plants, animals and microbes produce spermidine naturally during metabolism. So, any fresh or unprocessed food will contain it to some degree. What makes spermidine stand out is its ability to stimulate a process called autophagy, a kind of internal cellular spring-cleaning that clears out damaged cells and helps cells work more efficiently. As we age, this process slows down, contributing to the development of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. But spermidine appears to reactivate autophagy even in older cells, offering a drug-free method of slowing ageing. 'Think of it as a molecular amplifier for health,' says Nektarios Tavernarakis, the author of a study in Nature Cell Biology into the health effects of spermidine. 'It helps cells tidy themselves, boosting resilience, energy production and potentially warding off disease.' His research identified spermidine as essential to the longevity benefits of fasting. Fasting naturally increases autophagy, the body's cellular 'clean-up' process, and spermidine mimics and enhances this effect by promoting the same pathways. This cellular renewal helps reduce age-related damage and inflammation. Spermidine and brain health Cognitive decline is one of the most feared consequences of ageing, but spermidine could offer hope. A clinical trial published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that three months of spermidine supplementation improved memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The SmartAge trial, published in GeroScience, also found improvements in memory and reductions in inflammatory markers in participants aged 60 to 90. So, how does it work? 'Spermidine stimulates autophagy, which breaks down faulty proteins that otherwise accumulate in the brain and are linked to Alzheimer's disease,' explains Tavernarakis. This 'cellular housekeeping' clears the way for neurons to function better. Andrew Steele, who worked at the Francis Crick Institute decoding DNA and author of Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old, is cautiously optimistic: 'It's likely spermidine provides a general slowing of biological ageing. That may benefit the brain just as much as the heart or gut.' He adds: 'In animal studies, it's helped restore cognitive and motor function. And in humans, we've seen memory improvements.' 'Evidence suggests those consuming more spermidine, mostly in a Mediterranean diet, have better brain (function) and higher life expectancy,' says Dr Stefan Kiechl, a professor of neurology at Innsbruck University, Austria, and one of the world's leading researchers into the health effects of spermidine. How spermidine improves heart health Heart disease remains the world's leading cause of death. New research suggests spermidine could also protect your heart. In aged mice, spermidine supplementation has been shown to enhance heart elasticity, reduce fibrosis (stiffening) and improve mitochondrial function, which supports energy production within cells. 'It mimics some of the benefits of exercise and caloric restriction,' says Tavernarakis, who has studied spermidine's effects on cardiometabolic health. 'People with high spermidine intake tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,' he says. A study from Nutrients (2024), using UK Biobank data, reported not only fewer heart attacks but a significant reduction in all-cause mortality for those with high dietary spermidine. 'In our population studies, individuals with higher spermidine consumption, primarily from Mediterranean diets, had better heart health,' notes Kiechl. 'And the anti-inflammatory effects may also play a key role.' Other studies support his claim and a 2024 UK Biobank study also linked higher polyamine intake with fewer heart problems and an 18 per cent reduction in early death. Spermidine and cancer Emerging research highlights spermidine's potential in cancer prevention through several mechanisms. By triggering autophagy, spermidine can lower the chance of cells turning cancerous. A 2018 review in Nature Reviews Cancer found how autophagy can prevent the initiation of tumours by maintaining healthy cells in the body. Spermidine also supports immune function, particularly by rejuvenating T cells, which are crucial for identifying and eliminating cancer cells. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that spermidine supplementation restored T cell function in aged mice, improving immune surveillance against tumours. Spermidine and gut health Another area where spermidine shows promise is the gut, particularly through its influence on the gut microbiome. The gut plays a dual role when it comes to spermidine. It is where spermidine from food gets absorbed into the body. But also many of the beneficial microbes in your digestive system, especially in the colon, naturally produce spermidine as part of their normal activity. 'Because it boosts autophagy, spermidine supports the gut barrier and helps maintain healthy microbial balance,' says Steele. 'This could be important for preventing chronic gut inflammation and related disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic syndrome.' Although research is still in the early stages, some studies suggest that spermidine may help keep the lining of the gut strong and intact, preventing harmful substances, like toxins, bacteria and partially digested food particles, from leaking into the body and triggering inflammation. There is also evidence that it helps gut-residing immune cells function better, which could be especially beneficial as we age. Adding spermidine to your diet One of the easiest and safest ways to get more spermidine is through your diet. Aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, whole grains and legumes are all good sources. Wheat germ is especially high in spermidine, which you can sprinkle on your yogurt or cereal at breakfast. A tablespoon of wheat germ provides around 1.2 milligrams of spermidine, and 100g of mushrooms or cheddar can offer up to 10mg. Studies suggest that a daily intake of 5mg to 10mg may support health benefits, which can be achieved through a balanced mix of these foods consumed regularly throughout the week. A large US study found that people with the highest spermidine intake from foods like cereals, vegetables, legumes and cheese had significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Kiechl advises a measured approach for now. 'Evidence is strong but there are no 'gold standard' large-scale intervention trials which are necessary for standard medical recommendations,' he says. As spermidine is naturally found in a wide range of everyday foods, it should be easy to boost intake if you don't want to use supplements. That said, for those who prefer a more targeted approach, there are now a number of spermidine supplements on the market that are specifically tested for purity, safety and consistency. These supplement options provide a potential alternative for those who want to explore spermidine's health benefits in a measured, evidence-aware way, while science continues to catch up. Kenny says spermidine has had a dramatic impact on her health,after she was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in her late 30s. 'The biggest area has been in my hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a biomarker of systemic inflammation in the body. Mine is 0.3 – the same as a healthy teenager. In addition, my biological age, as measured by the GlycanAge test, which measures many other inflammatory markers, shows my biological age as 21. This matters because at 39, I was told inflammation in my body was so out of control, I had only five years left to live. 'Other places I notice are my hair quality and colour – I am 60 and don't dye my hair, or need any hair treatments, because my hair, lashes and brows are all healthy and growing as they would when I was younger. I also get consistently strong deep-sleep scores (60-plus minutes) on my Oura Ring when I take it before bed. This is important because it's only during deep sleep that the glymphatic system, the brain's 'washing machine', gets to work to remove the rubbish that piles up during the day that is associated with dementia.' Spermidine supplements Primeadine Original spermidine, from Oxford Healthspan, co-founded by Leslie Kenny, is developed in Japan from non-GMO wheat germ and is third-party laboratory tested. Longevity Box offers a plant-based spermidine supplement aimed at supporting cellular renewal and healthy ageing.
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Mahathir Mohamad turns 100 years old! — The former Malaysian PM shares his health secrets to long life and sharp mind
MALAYSIA: Malaysia's two-time Prime Minister and perennial political heavyweight, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, just did something very few humans on the planet ever achieve: he turned 100 years old! That's right—Tun M is now officially a centenarian. Dr. Mahathir's signature wit was still firmly intact during his recent interview with Channel NewsAsia's ( CNA 's) Malaysia correspondent, Melissa Goh, who congratulated him on his big 1-0-0 feat and asked him, 'What is the one birthday wish that you have?' Photo: YT screengrab/@channelnewsasia 'Well, my birthday wish is I will be 100,' he responded with a smile, 'because anything can happen even in a few days, so I don't think about it until I have reached that age.' He's reached it now—and with clarity, stamina, and a touch of humour that puts even the sprightliest millennials to shame. 'It's a little bit frightening to be 100…' Yes, even a man who's spent over 80 years in politics admits to feeling a little scared about becoming a centenarian. 'Not many people have achieved that,' he confessed. 'People seem to expect a lot of things from me, but whether I can deliver or not is something else… I hope I can function after 100,' he expressed his fears. Still, Dr. Mahathir is not one to retreat into slippers and soup just because there are three digits in his age. He's still writing, speaking, and staying mentally sharp—by choice and by habit. A sharp mind, a simple diet, and no bananas So what's the secret to living a century and still being able to quote gross domestic product (GDP) statistics on command? 'Well, I didn't do it. It [just] happened,' he said. 'I have been fortunate in that I don't suffer from fatal diseases.' Sure, there were a couple of heart surgeries along the way. However, Dr. Mahathir attributes his relatively disease-free life to being careful about what he eats, staying active, and—here's the real kicker—keeping his brain busy. 'The brain is like a muscle. If you don't use it, it regresses,' he reminded us. He also writes often on paper using his trusty writing board with blank sheets. Then the handwritten thoughts are converted to social media posts or sent via WhatsApp. It's not high-tech, but it still works just as well. 'When I think of something worth writing, I write—not caring what time or what place it is,' he explained. Morning cocoa, no caffeine after 1 p.m., and 7 hours of sleep Yes, the man who once governed a nation for 22 years straight and returned for another term at 92 maintains a strict routine. He wakes up, has breakfast, goes to the office, holds meetings, gives speeches, and—when the stars align—writes into the night. That is, unless he's attending a wedding or state event. For sleep, he does, more or less, seven hours. For weight, he keeps it around 62 kg, although he said, right now, he doesn't know why he's at 62.8 kg, which is 'above [his] standard,' so his doctors, he says, may be 'giving me some medication to make me lose my weight.' He also agrees with Melissa that the extra 0.8 kg could probably be just water retention. His go-to drink is 'Cocoa, soft… I'll take that in the morning, but after 1:00 p.m., I don't take any coffee or caffeine because it affects my sleep.' You better take notes of all this now, night owls. Exercise like a centenarian Although Dr. Mahathir doesn't hit the gym like a YouTube or TikTok fitness influencer, he does make time for some light exercise, such as walking 'five or six rounds, [or] even more' laps around his house veranda or hopping on a tandem bicycle. 'That is sufficient exercise for me,' he said. As for his once-favourite pastime, horseback riding, he says that 'The horse has got its own mind. It's not like a bicycle… I have fallen. Three times. Fortunately, not very serious.' He still sounds like the man who once took on financial crises, rival politicians, and constitutional reforms without blinking, nevertheless. Books, politics, and passing it on Dr. Mahathir has written over 20 books, but says many of his key ideas are already in his first two volumes. That said, his pen (and writing board) are still in action. 'I have this long experience, as a prime minister, and in politics. I've been involved for more than 80 years. So I've learned something, and I think if it is worthwhile at all, I would like to pass it on to other people.' After all, there aren't many living world leaders with a political career spanning eight decades, multiple economic transformations, and two non-consecutive terms in office. One fruit to avoid, but no food off-limits… well, almost Asked if there's one thing he loves but can't eat anymore, Dr. Mahathir chuckled and shared a little dietary grievance. 'I was told that I should not take bananas because it increases my phosphate or something like that. So I had to take other fruits.' Otherwise, he eats 'almost anything… [but only] in small amounts.' The wisdom of a century In Japan, Mahathir noted, many people live long—especially in Kyushu and Okinawa, where they drink 'a very bitter drink.' That drink, he is referring to, is probably what is commonly believed to be made from Goya (Bitter Melon), which is a staple in Okinawan cuisine. Goya is a highly nutritious vegetable native to Okinawa, renowned for its distinct bitterness and numerous health benefits. It's often credited with helping regulate blood sugar levels and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. From stir-fries to soups and teas, Goya can be prepared in various ways, and it might just be one of the reasons Okinawa boasts some of the longest-living people on Earth. However, for Malaysia's most famous nonagenarian-turned-centenarian, it's less about exotic elixirs and more about consistency, curiosity, and cocoa. Dr. Mahathir turns 100 not just as a political icon, but as a living reminder that age is as much a state of mind as it is a numerical measure. So if you're looking for a secret formula to live a long life, here's Dr. Mahathir's version in summary: Eat wisely (and not too much) Keep your weight stable (according to your own body mass index) Sleep enough (according to your own mind and body needs) Move a little (exercise, even if it's just walking 30 min a day) Avoid caffeine after lunch (so you get enough sleep) Stay curious (keep learning about something, so your brain also gets enough exercise) And write it all down (with pen and paper if you're feeling a little more classy than typing) Happy 100th birthday, Tun! You've outlived many, outthought most, and outwritten all. Thank you for sharing your secrets to your longevity. We wish you many more happy years to come. If you want to hear it straight from the man himself, watch the full interview with Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on CNA below, where he shares personal stories, laughs about bananas, and reflects on a century of life, leadership, and lessons. Read related:
