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Master Your Finances — Science — fitness-and-exercise — Aging

Why the 'Longevity' Trend's Extreme Health Obsession Misses the Point

Chasing extreme health hacks won't guarantee a longer life—but meaningful connections and mobility just might. Here's what science says.

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1 min read
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The image shows a newspaper with a bunch of pictures on it, including people, vehicles, buildings, trees, and text. The people in the pictures appear to be of various ages and genders, and the vehicles and trees suggest a bustling cityscape.

A growing trend in extending lifespan through extreme health measures is facing criticism from experts. Known as the 'longevity' trend, it promotes biohacking, blood tuning, and detox boosters to control personal health. However, researchers argue it overlooks key aspects of ageing and well-being.

The 'longevity' movement centres on personal control over health and lifespan. Techniques like biohacking and triple detox boosters are popular among followers. Yet, critics say this approach is narrow, ignoring environmental factors and socio-emotional benefits of ageing.

Psychologist Christina Röpcke from the University of Zurich studies healthy ageing. She warns that the trend is driven by fear and fails to address disease prevention. Instead of chasing extreme health measures, she emphasises accepting limitations and understanding what makes life meaningful.

The University of Zurich's Healthy Longevity Center is taking a different approach. It is developing a map for people with limited mobility in Zurich. The project aims to improve accessibility and encourage physical, social, and mental activity. The World Health Organization also highlights mobility as crucial for healthy ageing.

Röpcke criticises the trend's ageist undertones. She points out that it ignores the value of interpersonal connections and emotional well-being in later life. The focus on extreme health control, she argues, misses the broader picture of what constitutes a good life.

The map project in Zurich seeks to address real-world mobility challenges. By improving accessibility, it aims to support older adults in staying active and engaged. Meanwhile, experts continue to question whether the 'longevity' trend's narrow focus truly benefits long-term well-being.

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