Exploring the Anti-Aging Movement at the Don’t Die Summit

While wildfires rage outside, I find sanctuary in a dimly lit event space in downtown Los Angeles, where tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson is hosting his unique gathering known as the Don’t Die Summit. This day-long event is designed to foster a community focused on his radical anti-aging philosophy.

As the morning festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m., Johnson—his posture impeccable and skin notably pale—moves to the pulsating deep house music with the exuberance of youth. A sea of attendees surrounds him, while a vigilant security guard keeps a watchful eye on this vibrant scene.

With ticket prices ranging from $249 to $599, the summit promises an array of engaging activities, including keynote speeches, age assessments, and what Johnson refers to as a longevity “amusement park.” For those opting for VIP access, there’s an exclusive dinner with Johnson the night prior, available for a steep $1,499. This event coincides with the recent release of a Netflix documentary that chronicles Johnson’s extreme health practices and his often-controversial methods for extending life.

Johnson’s candidness about his journey to defy aging is striking. He openly shares both his triumphs and setbacks, from cosmetic fat injections to the publication of his personal biomarker statistics. His approach, which marries scientific inquiry with a flair for the dramatic, captivates a global audience.

Walking into the summit, I anticipated a gathering dominated by sweaty male biohackers; instead, I was greeted by a surprisingly balanced audience. The event encapsulates the dual nature of Johnson’s mission—a serious endeavor to conquer the limits of human life, tempered by a self-aware humor that recognizes the eccentricities of such a pursuit.

Throughout the day, participants engage in a variety of experiences, including biological age testing, discussions on women’s health, and evaluations of different longevity strategies. While some attendees wholeheartedly embrace Johnson’s message, others express skepticism, drawing parallels between the quest for immortality and ancient tales of eternal punishment.

As the summit wraps up, Johnson articulates his ambitious vision of establishing Don’t Die as a leading ideology of our era. Reflecting on his insights, I come to appreciate the necessity of balance in life, embodying the 80/20 principle he advocates. As I make my way home, my stomach rumbling, I ponder the valuable lessons gleaned from a day dedicated to pushing the limits of human longevity.