‘Don’t Die’: Bryan Johnson’s radical plan to cheat death

Is ageing not an inevitable fate? What if death is just a technical problem that we can solve? The new Netflix bio-pic “Don’t Die” raises precisely these questions and takes us into the life of Bryan Johnson, one of the most radical and fascinating pioneers of the longevity scene. A man who invests millions in extending his own lifespan, pushing the boundaries of science, technology and human ambition. But is Johnson a visionary or an eccentric millionaire in search of immortality? The film polarizes – and not without reason.

The philosophy of Bryan Johnson

Johnson is no ordinary idealist, but a man who has turned his own biology into a science. With countless tests, innovative technologies and a lifestyle that declares war on every second of ageing, he has made it his life’s mission to delay the end – and redefine the limits of what is possible. The film “Don’t Die” shows how Bryan Johnson not only works on his own immortality, but also inspires others to explore the limits of what is possible. Through his strict lifestyle and technological approach, he not only wants to live longer, but also better.

The pond millionaire invests around two million US dollars a year in his body to slow down his biological ageing process. He is convinced that with the right combination of technology, diet and a rigorous lifestyle, ageing is nothing more than a challenge that can be overcome.

The person behind the brand

From humble beginnings to a tech millionaire

Born in Provo, Utah, Bryan Johnson grew up in a simple family. He showed entrepreneurial spirit early on by starting to sell cell phones to finance his studies. These first steps laid the foundation for his later career in the technology sector. After several entrepreneurial attempts, he founded Braintree in 2007, a company specializing in mobile and web payment systems. With the sale of Braintree to PayPal in 2013 for several hundred million dollars, Bryan Johnson became a multi-millionaire.

His success in business enabled him to pursue his dream of immortality. Johnson turned to longevity research and, together with his physician, Dr. Oliver Zolman, developed the “Blueprint Protocol”: a system aimed at reducing his biological age and improving his quality of life. This transformation from a successful entrepreneur to a pioneer in life extension shows how much Johnson is willing to invest in the future he sees for himself.

The Longevity project “Blueprint”:

Bryan Johnson is cared for by a team of over 30 doctors and health experts, led by Dr. Oliver Zolman.
Dr. Zolman, a young physician with a special interest in longevity research, coordinates the various aspects of Johnson’s health protocol, known as the Blueprint Protocol. This comprehensive program aims to reduce Johnson’s biological age and includes strict diet, exercise and lifestyle guidelines as well as experimental therapies. Dr. Oliver Zolman and his team continuously monitor Johnson’s progress and adjust interventions based on the latest scientific evidence.

And so Bryan Johnson’s daily routine is a masterpiece of discipline and precision. Every aspect of his daily routine is designed to maximize his health and slow down the aging process. His day starts early with a series of health checks and ends with a strict bedtime routine to ensure he gets the optimal amount of rest. He regularly measures his vital signs and adjusts his routine accordingly.

• Getting up early and morning health checks
• Regular physical activity, including an intensive training plan
• Strict dietary guidelines that focus on a plant-based diet
• Use of technologies to monitor health
• Fixed bedtimes to maximize recovery

Food supplements and diets

Bryan Johnson’s diet is just as strict as his daily routine. He takes over 100 food supplements and medicines every day according to a fixed plan. These presumably include:

Longevity-promoting supplements such as:

• Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) to support energy production in the cells and counteract age-related degradation processes,
• Nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to increase the NAD+ level
• Taurine to support heart health and cognitive function
• Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) – an antioxidant that has shown a life-prolonging effect in animal studies.

Supplements for specific health aspects:

• Ashwagandha: Used to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
• Curcumin (1 g): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and joint health support.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA/DPA 800 mg): Promote cardiovascular health and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg): Supports mitochondrial function and energy production in the cells.

Drug interventions:

• Metformin ER: A prescription medication used to regulate blood sugar levels and possibly promote longevity.
• Acarbose : Used to reduce postprandial blood sugar peaks and thus improve glucose metabolism.

These preparations and many more are designed to optimize various aspects of his health and slow down the ageing process according to his highly individual health parameters.

The nutrition in the ‘BLUEPRINT PROTOCOL’

This consists mainly of plant-based foods that are rich in antioxidants and other health-promoting substances. Avoiding common indulgences such as alcohol, sugar, industrially processed foods from the supermarket shelf or even fast food is a matter of course. Johnson believes that every meal is an opportunity to nourish his body and promote his health. His diet may seem extreme, but it is an essential part of his goal to slow down the ageing process.

And the success?

According to Johnson himself, the “Blueprint Protocol” has so far enabled him to reduce his age by 5.1 years within 2 years. That is a world record. According to his own information, he has 50 perfect biomakers, and with 100 biomakers he is below his biological age. The rate at which he ages is 0.69. This means that Bryan Johnson only ages by 8 months in 12 months. Before the start of the Longevity program, his ageing rate was 1.03. How far this can be continued is still uncertain. But the Longevity enthusiast is determined to find out. By any means necessary!

The role of technology and data in Johnson’s lifestyle

Technology plays a central role in Johnson’s approach to prolonging life. He uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to continuously monitor and analyze his health data. This data analysis enables him to make informed decisions about his health and adapt his routine to achieve the best results.

His technological tools include wearable devices that record his physical activity and vital signs, as well as complex algorithms that analyze his data. Johnson sees these technologies as essential tools to extend the limits of the human lifespan. He believes that by combining technology and science, the path to immortality can be paved.

Technology	Application
Wearable devices	Monitoring physical activity and vital signs
Algorithms	Analysis of health data
Blood tests	Regular checking of biomarkers
Nutrition tracker	Optimization of nutrient intake

The controversies surrounding Bryan Johnson’s methods

Bryan Johnson’s approach to prolonging life has caused much controversy. While some consider his methods revolutionary, others see them as risky and unproven. Critics argue that the long-term effects of his extreme lifestyle are unknown and that his experiments raise ethical questions. In particular, the use of unregulated treatments and the enormous amount of supplements he takes are met with skepticism.

These controversies raise important questions about the limits of science and the responsibility of individuals who pursue such extreme approaches. While Johnson’s methods may be inspiring, they also highlight the challenges facing longevity research. The debate about the ethical implications of his work is a reflection of the wider discussion about the future of human life extension.

Despite the eccentricity of the program, Johnson’s work has had a significant impact on longevity research. His investment and commitment is helping to increase interest in the field and encourage new research. Johnson sees himself as a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and paving the way for others.

His work has helped to draw public attention to the possibilities of life extension and to stimulate discussion about the potential of science to overcome ageing. Despite the skepticism of many scientists, Johnson remains optimistic that his efforts will ultimately help expand the understanding and practices of longevity research.

Longevity – What price are we prepared to pay?

Bryan Johnson’s radical journey to longevity raises a central question: What price are we willing to pay to beat ageing? Because while at first glance his lifestyle seems like the fulfillment of a futuristic dream, on closer inspection it reveals a disturbing truth: longevity is not just a question of money, but also of quality of life, freedom and identity.

The material price: exclusivity for the few

With an estimated annual budget of 2 million dollars, Johnson’s program is a luxury that only the super-rich can afford. It shows the growing gap between the possibilities of the medical elite and the limitations of the average citizen. So can longevity ever be democratized, or will it become another privilege of the top 1%? Or does it not need so much technology and control, but rather a species-appropriate life close to nature?

The psychological price: a life under control

Johnson lives according to a meticulously planned daily routine. Every meal, every minute of sleep, every workout is measured, monitored and optimized. But where is the room for spontaneity? For enjoyment? For a glass of wine with friends or a pizza at midnight? His life seems like a permanent experiment that leaves little room for mistakes and weaknesses. Yet it is precisely this “dancing out of line” that makes us human in the first place.

Perhaps the greatest price Johnson pays is not measurable in dollars, but in the distance to what makes us human: the ability to embrace life in all its imperfection. For as much as we may fear death, it is what gives life its value. A life without ageing may be possible – but a fulfilled life always remains a question of finding a balance between control and surrender.

The Netflix bio-pic “Don’t Die”

For anyone interested in delving deeper into the life of Bryan Johnson and Longevity, the Netflix documentary “Don’t Die”, launched in January 2025, offers an intimate look into the life and philosophy of Bryan Johnson. The film shows both the achievements and the challenges Johnson faces on his journey to immortality. It sheds light on his daily routine, his technological experiments and the controversies that surround his methods.

Reactions to the film have been divided. Some critics praise the film for its honest portrayal of Johnson’s efforts and its contribution to the longevity debate. Others, however, criticize it for its uncritical portrayal of Johnson’s approaches and for not shedding enough light on the potential risks of his methods.

However, the film offers an interesting contribution to the discussion about the possibilities and limits of life extension.