Longevity: The Wellness Term of 2025?

“Longevity” has become the most attention-grabbing term in the wellness and health world – and that does not seem far-fetched. More and more people are looking for answers to how they can maximise their healthspan while also improving their quality of life.

Longevity is currently redefining life goals and may provide answers to these questions by combining state-of-the-art technologies, scientific findings and proven lifestyle strategies.

Table of contents

1. How longevity is conquering the mainstream
2. The origins of the longevity trend
3. The key factors for a long life
4. Longevity parameters: which ones can be measured?
5. Milestones in longevity – from antiquity to the present day
6. Longevity and preventive medicine – what is the difference?
7. Excursus: longevity diets and conflicting approaches
8. Future outlook: from mainstream trend to permanent life strategy?
9. Longevity in politics
10. Longevity personalities online
11. Putting longevity into practice in everyday life
12. Conclusion: a new path to health
13. Sources

How longevity is conquering the mainstream

Longevity comes from the Latin word “longaevitas” and means “long life” or “living for a long time”. The goal is not only to live longer, but above all to live and age more healthily. This can be measured by healthspan, meaning the period in which we can live and age free from illness and limitations – ideally well into old age.

This “philosophy of life”, which everyone interprets slightly differently, has now developed into a global health movement. Longevity is no longer simply a trend that will disappear again. Rather, it is a life concept that has now become firmly established in society.

Longevity is also attracting increasing attention in the media. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are full of tips and trends relating to healthy ageing, while YouTube documentaries, television reports and books explore the subject in ever greater depth. Coverage is growing every day and reflects the increasing interest in this life concept.

It is striking that more and more industries are engaging with longevity. Podcasts, hotels, doctors, naturopaths, coaches and retreats are adopting the concept and adapting their services accordingly. Some even go so far as to rename themselves – health podcasts become longevity podcasts, while traditional wellness hotels and retreats increasingly position themselves as longevity centres. This development shows how strongly longevity as both a term and a concept is moving into the mainstream and influencing different areas of life.

The origins of the longevity trend

Although the term “longevity” does not have a specific geographical origin, its modern meaning has been strongly shaped by scientific and technological movements, particularly those from the United States.

Biohackers, scientists and technology start-ups are researching longevity measures and developing new technologies and interventions designed to optimise quality of life over decades.

Early impulses came from important figures such as Leonard Hayflick, who discovered the so-called “Hayflick limit” in 1961: the limit on the number of times a cell can divide, a maximum of approximately 50 to 70 times, which is considered a central mechanism of ageing. Aubrey de Grey, who attracted attention with his book Ending Aging in 2005, also plays a significant role in modern longevity research. De Grey is a British biogerontologist known for viewing ageing as a repairable biological problem rather than an unavoidable process. He believes that scientific interventions may reverse or slow the biological damage caused by ageing.

Dave Asprey, founder of the Bulletproof Diet, and Bryan Johnson, with his longevity project “Blueprint”, have further increased public awareness of longevity and demonstrate how modern technologies, biohacking and strict diets may contribute to optimising biological age. Their approaches emphasise self-directed measures such as blood sugar monitoring, intermittent fasting and the use of modern diagnostic tools.

David Sinclair, professor at Harvard Medical School and author of the book “Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To”, has also drawn worldwide attention to ageing research and the biological slowing of the ageing process. Through his research into the activation of sirtuins, proteins that promote cellular protection, and substances such as resveratrol and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), he has established a scientific foundation that influences many current longevity approaches. You can read more about his work in our article Lifespan, Prof. Dr David A. Sinclair.

The key factors for a long life

While our genes determine only around 20% of life expectancy, the remaining 80% lies in our epigenetics and is therefore influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, stress management and good sleep. This means that through a conscious lifestyle, we can actively help slow the ageing process and extend our healthspan. Proactive measures such as healthy lifestyle habits can be adopted, and new technologies can be used to help maximise quality of life. When these factors are optimised, the ageing process may be slowed.

Key finding: Only around 20% of our life expectancy is genetically determined – the remaining 80% can be actively influenced through epigenetics and lifestyle.

Longevity parameters: which ones can be measured?

To assess longevity scientifically, there are various measurable biological markers that reflect the biological ageing process and healthspan:

• Biological age (epigenetic marker): Measuring biological age through DNA methylation, for example with the Horvath epigenetic clock, is well established and recognised. This method is often carried out through blood tests, which analyse epigenetic changes in DNA to determine biological age in comparison with chronological age.
• Telomere length: Blood tests analyse the length of the protective end caps of DNA, usually in white blood cells.
• Inflammatory markers: Blood tests measure levels of CRP or interleukin-6, which indicate chronic inflammation.
• Oxidative stress: Urine or blood tests determine free radicals and oxidative damage, for example MDA.
• Blood sugar and insulin: Blood samples measure fasting blood sugar and the insulin response.
• Mitochondrial function: Blood tests or muscle biopsies analyse ATP production.
• Sirtuin activity: Blood or tissue samples measure enzyme activity relevant to cellular repair.
• NAD levels: Blood tests measure the concentration of NAD⁺, which is essential for cellular energy and DNA repair.

These markers enable personalised health strategies and indicate how effectively longevity measures are working in the body. We explain how meaningful biological age can be in our article What biological age reveals.

Milestones in longevity – from antiquity to the present day

The idea of extending life through conscious lifestyle choices is by no means new. Even in antiquity, philosophers and healers examined how people might remain healthy into old age.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages

• As early as the time of Hippocrates (460–370 BC), the father of modern medicine recognised that a healthy lifestyle was the key to preventing disease.
• In China, the Taoist approach to longevity, including breathing techniques, diet and meditation, was essential to the understanding of health and well-being.
• During the Middle Ages, the concept of longevity appeared occasionally in medical and theological texts, frequently in connection with the desire for a long life.
• However, concrete medical interventions were lacking, and discussions of longevity remained primarily philosophical or religious.

17th to 19th century: the beginning of systematic research

• 1623: Sir Francis Bacon wrote that scientific progress might enable humans to extend life.
• 18th century: With the Enlightenment and the scientific revolution, longevity increasingly became a goal of medicine. Research into disease and hygiene measures expanded.

20th century: prevention and anti-ageing become central topics

• 1928: The discovery of vitamins, including vitamins C and D, and their role in health led to food supplements becoming popular as part of prevention.
• 1961: Leonard Hayflick discovered the Hayflick limit – the limit on cell division that is regarded as a biological mechanism of ageing. This discovery laid the foundation for modern longevity research.
• 1970s: Prevention gained greater emphasis in Western medicine. Health campaigns combating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease focused on exercise and nutrition.
• 1980: Anti-ageing medicine became established as a subfield of longevity research. Research into hormone replacement therapy and food supplements began.

2000s: breakthroughs through science and technology

• 2001: The sequencing of the human genome enabled new research into the genetic foundations of ageing.
• 2007: Aubrey de Grey published his book “Ending Aging”, in which he described how ageing might not only be slowed but potentially stopped. He helped establish biological immortality as a goal of longevity research.

2010s: longevity as a lifestyle and market trend

• 2013: Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof, brought biohacking into public discussion. His goal was to extend health and life expectancy through targeted lifestyle interventions.
• 2019: Bryan Johnson launched his longevity project “Blueprint”, a combination of exercise, strict diet and medical testing, creating another pioneering model.

2020s: longevity enters the mainstream

• 2020: Longevity retreats such as Lanserhof experienced a boom and increasingly targeted health-conscious audiences.
• 2022: Longevity became an increasingly important topic in prevention, nutrition, mental health and high-tech medicine. A growing number of medical studies showed that simple lifestyle changes can influence biological age.
• 2023: Ingmar P. Brunken, the first German “thymonaut”, popularised thymus rejuvenation – a procedure intended to regenerate the thymus gland, strengthen immune defence and lower biological age. Read more in our interview with Ingmar P. Brunken.
• 2025: The democratisation of longevity technologies could be advanced through wearables, AI-supported diagnostics and affordable medical innovations.

Longevity and preventive medicine – what is the difference?

While preventive medicine primarily aims to detect diseases early in order to improve treatment outcomes, longevity seeks to slow the biological processes of ageing, promote cellular regeneration and maintain general performance throughout life.

Rather than replacing traditional prevention, longevity complements modern medical approaches with new technologies such as epigenetic testing, AI-supported diagnostics and stem cell therapy. At the same time, proven measures such as a healthy diet, physical activity and stress management remain essential components. In this sense, longevity concepts often work together with doctors, researchers and preventive medicine specialists to develop individually tailored health strategies.

At the same time, longevity is becoming increasingly commercialised, creating new market segments ranging from longevity retreats to personalised anti-ageing therapies. This trend could motivate people to engage more deeply with their health and understand longevity as an investment in quality of life.

Excursus: longevity diets and conflicting approaches

When researching different dietary strategies that are intended to have a positive effect on longevity, one also encounters approaches that appear contradictory, for example regarding how much protein or which types of fat are optimal for a long and healthy life. Two well-known examples that illustrate this contradiction are the high-fat Bulletproof Diet and the Mediterranean diet.

1. The Bulletproof Diet: fat as the primary energy source

• The Bulletproof Diet is based on the idea that high-quality fats should be the body’s primary energy source in order to keep blood sugar stable, promote metabolism and place the body in a state of ketosis.
• Protein intake is deliberately kept low to avoid excessive activation of the mTOR signalling pathway, which is associated with cellular ageing and age-related diseases.
• The focus is on MCT oil, butter or ghee, very low carbohydrate intake and moderate amounts of protein.

Contradiction: Long-term longevity research often emphasises that sufficient protein intake is particularly necessary in old age to prevent age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia. Both the amount and the type of protein play a decisive role. High-quality proteins with a high content of essential amino acids, particularly leucine, are important for effectively supporting muscle protein synthesis. There are also concerns that a long-term high-fat diet, especially one involving excessive consumption of saturated fats, could negatively affect cardiovascular health.

2. Mediterranean diet: plant-based nutrients and balanced protein intake

• The Mediterranean diet is often considered one of the best dietary patterns for longevity. It combines high-quality plant fats such as olive oil, antioxidants, fibre and moderate amounts of protein from fish, legumes or lean meat.
• This diet not only promotes heart health but also supports the maintenance of muscle in old age through a balanced combination of protein and nutrients.
• Secondary plant compounds, such as polyphenols in olive oil or red wine, also contribute to cellular health and reducing inflammation.

Contradiction: Moderate protein intake may not be sufficient for older people or athletes to support muscle maintenance or growth optimally. In addition, implementing the Mediterranean diet in Western countries may be made more difficult by the availability and cost of fresh, unprocessed foods.

3. Intermittent fasting as a bridge between both concepts

Intermittent fasting is recognised in both dietary approaches as a key strategy for stimulating cellular regeneration, reducing inflammation and regulating the mTOR pathway. Fasting activates the mechanism of autophagy, in which damaged cells are broken down and recycled. This process may also contribute to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Instead of choosing an extreme diet, a combination may be sensible: On training days or for older people, a higher protein intake to support muscle maintenance, ideally from high-quality sources such as fish, legumes or lean meat. On fasting days or during periods of lower physical activity, a moderate protein intake may help limit mTOR and promote cellular repair through autophagy.

To identify the optimal longevity nutrition strategy, a holistic approach should be taken that considers individual needs, lifestyle and health requirements. It may be helpful to consult a doctor or nutrition specialist with expertise in longevity in order to create a tailored overall concept based on scientific evidence.

Future outlook: from mainstream trend to permanent life strategy?

By 2025, longevity had become increasingly important and could be integrated into everyday life in a similar way to wellness and prevention.

Technological drivers:

• Wearables and health trackers: Future wearables will not only measure steps or pulse but also monitor biological markers such as inflammation or hormone levels. They may provide personalised recommendations for slowing the ageing process in a targeted way.
• AI-supported prevention: Artificial intelligence can create individual health plans and detect diseases at an early stage.
• Genetic and epigenetic tests: These tests could become routine examinations and allow longevity measures to be tailored more precisely to individual needs.

Regenerative medicine: Advances in stem cell therapy and thymus rejuvenation could soon become part of general healthcare. Such therapies promise to replace damaged or ageing cells with younger, functioning cells.

Longevity in politics

Political support for longevity research is also growing. Looking at the United States, President Donald Trump also increasingly views ageing as a preventable condition and supports therapies such as stem cell treatments as well as the development of a preventive healthcare system that not only treats disease but also slows ageing itself.

Critics, however, warn of potential inequalities and risks if access remains limited to wealthy people.

It is conceivable that US policy may seek to reduce long-term healthcare costs through preventive measures and longevity research. Prevention remains more cost-effective than treating chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In the United States, longevity technologies could reduce Medicaid and Medicare spending over the long term by lowering the burden of disease and keeping the population healthier – an economic argument that could fit well within a political strategy.

German politics has also begun to address longevity. The Rejuvenation Party, or VJP, founded in 2023, seeks to promote government investment in ageing research, regenerative medicine and personalised prevention in order to make longevity accessible not only to a wealthy elite but to society as a whole.

Longevity personalities online

Many public figures, influencers and experts also share fascinating insights, tips and scientific findings relating to longevity online. Here are a few examples:

• Bryan Johnson: As an entrepreneur and biohacker, Bryan Johnson invests substantial resources in life-extension projects and shares his experiences and progress on his Instagram profile.
• Kayla Barnes: She is an expert in brain health and “female longevity” and offers tips on optimising mental and physical health on her Instagram channel and in her podcast “Brain Biohacking”. She places particular emphasis on the fact that women’s bodies are designed differently from men’s and therefore require individual optimisation.
• Luke Jaque-Rodney: Focusing on conscious living, minimalism and healthy nutrition, he shares his views and advice for sustainable living on Instagram and in his book “Live to 100”.
• Anastasia Rastorguev: Known from German television, she engages intensively with topics relating to sugar-free living and healthy ageing and shares her findings with her community.
• Kristine Zeller (Instagram) and Dr Kati Ernst (Instagram) host the “Lifestyle of Longevity” podcast, in which they discuss different aspects of a long and healthy lifestyle.
• Nina Ruge: As a television presenter and author, she explores longevity and offers insights into current research and practical tips in her podcast “staYOUNG”, particularly in the context of the menopause (Instagram).

These individuals offer a wide range of perspectives and advice on longevity and may serve as inspiration for those who would like to explore the subject in greater depth.

Putting longevity into practice in everyday life

Anyone who wants to age healthily and remain vital over the long term can achieve a great deal with simple, scientifically grounded strategies. Putting longevity into practice in everyday life primarily means integrating healthy nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep and effective stress management into the daily routine. These fundamental pillars of longevity form the basis of a long and healthy life. Longevity retreats or specialised health programmes can provide a valuable upgrade by offering additional medical tests, personalised nutrition plans or high-tech health optimisation methods. However, the decisive factors for long-term longevity lie in everyday habits – and these are accessible to everyone.

1. Nutrition and fasting

A balanced diet, for example avoiding sugar and processed foods, can slow the ageing process, reduce inflammation and promote cellular regeneration.

• Intermittent fasting: Regulates blood sugar, reduces inflammation and activates cellular repair processes.
• Plant-rich diet: Vegetables, berries and healthy fats, for example from nuts and olive oil, provide essential nutrients.
• Select protein sources carefully: High-quality plant proteins or fish support muscle and cellular health.

We explore this topic in greater detail in our article Nutrition for a long life and gut diversity.

2. Exercise and fitness: free and effective

Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and promotes longevity.

• Endurance training: Regular walking, running or cycling strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
• Strength training: Preserves muscle mass, which declines with age, and is important for mobility and metabolism.
• Flexibility & balance: Yoga or mobility exercises help prevent injury.

You can find more information on the relationship between training and life expectancy in our article Exercise and longevity.

3. Sleep and recovery: regeneration for body and mind

High-quality sleep, approximately 7 to 9 hours per night, is essential for bodily regeneration, hormonal balance and mental health.

• Regular sleeping times support natural hormonal regulation.
• Optimise the sleeping environment: Quiet, darkness and cool temperatures promote restful nights.
• Digital detox period: Avoid screens for at least one hour before going to bed.
• Light-dark rhythm: Daylight promotes alertness, while darkness activates melatonin for better sleep. Avoid artificial light before bedtime.

4. Stress management and mental health for a longer life

Chronic stress accelerates the ageing process and increases the risk of disease. Mental health is essential for a long and fulfilling life. Meditation, hobbies and social connections can help reduce stress and strengthen mental health.

• Meditation and breathing exercises lower cortisol levels and promote resilience.
• Time in nature: Studies show that regular time spent in green environments reduces stress hormones.
• Maintain social connections: A strong social environment is a decisive factor in longevity.

We bring together practical approaches in our article Hidden sources of stress in everyday life.

5. Medical prevention and technology

Regular health checks, personalised medicine and new technologies, such as biomarker analyses, help detect and prevent diseases at an early stage.

6. Environment and toxins

Avoiding environmental toxins and promoting a healthy environment contribute to longevity. This includes clean air and optimal water quality.

7. Social connections and purpose in life

Close social relationships, such as long-standing friendships, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life are essential for mental and physical health.

Conclusion: a new path to health

Longevity is therefore not simply a trend. As a multifaceted concept, it marks a turning point in the wellness and health industry and beyond. With new technologies such as wearables, epigenetic testing and AI-supported prevention, longevity offers individual approaches to health optimisation. Established companies are already responding by transforming traditional wellness retreats into longevity centres. Politics is also increasingly recognising the importance of preventive measures for reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems.

The coming years will show how profoundly this transformation will influence everyday life and healthcare systems – but longevity is currently well on its way to becoming the defining term of 2025.

Sources

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7. Image: Ian Allen. menshealth.com