“Don’t Die”: Bryan Johnson’s radical plan to outsmart death

Isn’t aging an inevitable fate? What if death were just a technical problem that we can solve? The new Netflix biopic “Don’t Die” raises exactly 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 has invested 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 is polarizing – and not without reason.

The philosophy of Bryan Johnson

Johnson is no ordinary idealist, but a man who has made his own biology into a science. With countless tests, innovative technologies and a way of life that declares war on every second of aging, he has made it his life’s work to delay the end – and to redefine the limits of what is possible. The film “Don’t Die” shows how Bryan Johnson is not only working on his own immortality, but also inspiring 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 tech millionaire invests around two million US dollars in his body every year to slow down his biological aging process. He is convinced that with the right combination of technology, diet and a rigorous lifestyle, aging is no longer a challenge that can be overcome.

The man behind the brand

From humble beginnings to a tech millionaire

Born in Provo, Utah, Bryan Johnson grew up in a modest family. He showed entrepreneurial spirit early on by selling cell phones to finance his studies. These first steps laid the foundation for his later career in technology. 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 doctor, Dr. Oliver Zolman, developed the “Blueprint Protocol”: a system that aims to reduce his biological age and improve his quality of life. This transformation from a successful entrepreneur to a pioneer in the field of life extension shows how much Johnson is willing to invest in the future he sees for himself.

The Longevity Project Blueprint:

Dr. Bryan Johnson is cared for by a team of over 30 doctors and health professionals, headed 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 dietary, exercise, and lifestyle guidelines, as well as experimental therapies. Dr. Oliver Zolman and his team continuously monitor Johnson’s progress and adjust the interventions based on the latest scientific findings.

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

• Getting up early and doing morning health checks
• Regular physical activity, including an intense training regime
• Strict dietary guidelines centered around a plant-based diet
• Use of technology to monitor health
• Set bedtimes to maximize recovery

Dietary supplements and diets

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

longevity-enhancing supplements such as:

• Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) to support cellular energy production and counteract age-related deterioration,
• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) to increase NAD+ levels
• Taurine to support heart health and cognitive function
• Nordihydroguaiaretinic acid (NDGA) – an antioxidant that has shown life-prolonging effects 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 support of joint health.
• 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 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 spikes and thus improve glucose metabolism.

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

The`BLUEPRINT PROTOCOL´ Diet

This consists mainly of plant-based foods that are rich in antioxidants and other health-promoting substances. It goes without saying that he avoids common luxury foods such as alcohol, sugar, industrially processed foods from the supermarket shelf or even fast food. Johnson believes that every meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and promote your health. His diet may seem extreme, but it is an essential part of his goal of slowing down the aging process.

And the success?

According to his own statements, Johnson was able to rejuvenate 5.1 years within 2 years with the “Blueprint Protocol”. That is a world record. He claims to have 50 perfect biomakers, and at 100 biomakers he is below his biological age. The rate at which he ages is 0.69. This means that in 12 months, Bryan Johnson will only age by 8 months. Before the Longevity program started, his aging rate was 1.03. It is still uncertain how far this can be continued. But the Longevity enthusiast is willing 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 extending life. He uses state-of-the-art devices and software to continuously monitor and evaluate his health data. This data analysis enables him to make informed decisions about his health and adjust his routine to achieve the best results.

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

Technology	Application
Wearable devices	Physical activity and vital sign monitoring
Algorithms	Health data analysis
Blood tests	Regular monitoring of biomarkers
Nutrition tracker	Optimization of nutrient intake

The controversy surrounding Bryan Johnson’s methods

Bryan Johnson’s approach to extending life has caused much controversy. While some view his methods as 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 dietary 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 demonstrate the challenges that lie ahead for longevity research. The debate over the ethical implications of his work is a reflection of the broader discussion about the future of human life extension.

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

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

Longevity – What price are we willing to pay?

Bryan Johnson’s radical journey to longevity raises a central question: What price are we willing to pay to conquer aging? While his lifestyle seems like the fulfillment of a futuristic dream at first glance, on closer inspection it reveals a disturbing truth: Longevity is not only 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, 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 limits of the average citizen. So can longevity ever be democratized, or will it become another privilege of the top 1%? Or is it not so much technology and control that we need, but rather a species-appropriate, nature-oriented life?

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 pleasure? For a glass of wine with friends or a midnight pizza? His life seems like a permanent experiment that leaves little room for error and weakness. But 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 at all, but in the distance to what makes us human: the ability to embrace life in all its imperfection. Because as much as we may fear death, it is what gives life its value. A life without aging may be possible – but a fulfilled life is always a question of balance between control and surrender.

The Netflix Bio-Pic “Don’t Die”

For those who want to delve 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 challenges Johnson faces on his journey to immortality. It sheds light on his daily routine, his technological experiments and the controversies surrounding his methods.

Reactions to the film have been mixed. 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 presenting Johnson’s approaches uncritically and for not sufficiently highlighting the potential risks of his methods.

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