Longevity—what’s the point of living longer?

Do you also want to live as long as possible? And on top of that, stay healthy and happy while doing so? Yes, that would be great! And thanks to ongoing research, there are now good chances of making this dream a reality. At the same time, a huge industry is emerging around the topic of longevity, and everywhere you turn, you’re given tips and treatments to delay death and suffering as long as possible.

You’re told to practice intermittent fasting, therapeutic fasting, eat only fruits and vegetables, avoid sugar at all costs, and also abstain from alcohol. You should eat locally, not too late, and not too much. And whatever vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body cannot produce on its own, you should supplement.

If you want to live a long life, you should definitely pay attention to your sleep. Ideally, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Get at least seven hours of sleep—and make sure your sleep tracker shows sufficient deep sleep and REM sleep.

And let’s not forget movement. We were once hunters and gatherers, so our bodies are meant to move. Aim for at least 20,000 steps a day, plus strength and mobility training.

If you want to delay decline even further, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the latest trends like ice baths, bio-infusions, heavy metal detoxes, biohacking, and similar practices.

Fortunately, longevity research also shows that social connections, close friendships, and a healthy relationship are essential for a long and happy life.

The only problem is that there’s hardly any time left for friends if you follow all of the advice mentioned above. And even if there is, there’s a risk that they become increasingly annoyed by all the discipline and restraint.

To be honest, I think I’ve overdone it with longevity as well. Recently, I’ve at least received feedback from friends that it used to be easier to go out for dinner or celebrate with me.

That made me reflect, and I can feel myself that with all these health routines, I’ve lost a bit of my lightness—and that it’s exhausting to constantly follow the “longevity protocol.”

Recently, I read an interview with Arthur Brooks, in which he said that most people can describe the “how” of longevity very precisely. They talk about nutrition, exercise, sleep, or cold therapy. But when you ask them “why” they want to extend their lives, you rarely get a good answer—because the “why” makes the “how” obsolete.

If you’re on a hike and constantly afraid of tripping over the next root, you can’t enjoy the view—because you’re too busy trying not to fall. Put differently: only those who are no longer afraid of losing something can truly enjoy it. That applies to love as much as it does to life.