The Longevity Toolkit

For those fixated on turning back the clock, almost nothing is off-limits. The arsenal of anti-ageing therapies at play ranges from the sci-fi to the surprisingly mundane, including experimental “young blood” transfusions, infrared light baths, and even old-fashioned retinoid creams, all of which factor into this quest for longevity.

One of the most controversial tactics is the use of young plasma transfusions. Johnson made headlines when he underwent a multi-generational plasma swap with his 17-year-old son and 70-year-old father, an experimental procedure aiming to rejuvenate his body with younger blood. He even proudly posted a photo of himself holding a bag of what he called “liquid gold” (the harvested plasma), claiming the family transfusion helped reduce his father’s biological age by 25 years. The idea of infusing youth into one’s veins has captivated other tech elites as well (it even earned a parody on HBO’s Silicon Valley), but medical authorities are decidedly sceptical.

The U.S. FDA has warned there is “no proven clinical benefit” to injecting plasma from young donors to fend off ageing. Potential risks, such as infections and electrolyte imbalances, also loom over these unproven treatments. “As of now, only animal studies are available” on such plasma therapy, notes Dr. Geetika Chhabra Baweja, a New Delhi-based dermatologist and founder of her eponymous aesthetics clinic, who deems young-blood transfusions an “unsubstantiated” anti-ageing method. Infrared and red-light therapy panels are among the many devices Johnson utilises in his anti-ageing regimen.

Another, less macabre trend in the longevity scene is red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. Johnson, for one, stands before an array of glowing red LED panels three times a week in hopes of boosting cellular repair and collagen production in his body. This painless, non-invasive treatment involves bathing in low-level red and near-infrared light, which is believed to stimulate skin cells and reduce inflammation. Devotees claim it helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles by energising the cells that produce collagen.

Dermatology experts, however, emphasise that light therapy is more of a supportive therapy than a standalone fountain of youth. It can help alleviate certain signs of ageing, such as fine lines and sagging skin, but it’s not the primary treatment for anti-ageing; instead, it's more of an adjunct to other interventions. In short, basking in a red glow might give a healthy boost, but it isn’t going to single-handedly turn a septuagenarian’s skin into that of a teenager.

On the other end of the spectrum, some longevity practices are rather mundane, yet scientifically proven, staples of youthfulness. Chief among these is simply taking care of the skin. Many biohackers, for all their cutting-edge experiments, also use high-grade topical serums at night.

“Topical vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects skin against UV damage and helps lighten dark spots,” explains Dr. Baweja. She also lauds prescription retinoids – vitamin A derivatives – for their ability to “improve the signs of skin ageing by increasing the production of collagen and cell turnover”.

Decades of research back these classic topicals as effective ways to boost elastin, fade fine lines, and maintain a youthful glow. They are not overnight miracles – Dr. Baweja cautions that such serums work gradually and “might not be enough” once advanced age-related changes like deep wrinkles or volume loss have set in. Still, even in an era of bespoke longevity gadgets, sunscreen and a nightly retinoid remain cornerstones of any credible anti-ageing regimen. The ultra-rich might be chasing immortality, but they haven’t discarded the humble night cream just yet.

Recognizing this growing obsession, the luxury industry has eagerly jumped in. High-end wellness retreats and hotels around the world now offer longevity packages that read like science fiction. In Dubai, the One&Only resort’s new Longevity Hub (a collaboration with Switzerland’s famed Clinique La Prairie) lets guests complement their beach holiday with IV stem-cell infusions, cryotherapy ice chambers, and personalised gene tests. At the Four Seasons in Maui, visitors can sign up for a week-long “Longevity Protocol” – including ozone therapy and stem cell injections – for around $44,000 per person. Canyon Ranch, a wellness resort brand, recently unveiled a four-day longevity immersion priced at $20,000.

Even hospitality moguls are getting involved: this year, motivational speaker Tony Robbins teamed with hotelier Sam Nazarian to announce The Estate, a forthcoming chain of five-star hotels entirely devoted to longevity and preventative medicine. “It’s about integrating comprehensive, science-driven health solutions into the luxury experience,” Nazarian said of the concept. In other words, you might soon check into a suite where your welcome package includes a full-body MRI and a tailor-made longevity diet – a far cry from a simple spa day.

As extravagant as some of these measures sound, they underscore a simple truth: for the ultra-wealthy, perhaps the most incredible luxury of all is more time. That mindset raises profound questions. Can money buy extra years of life or youth?

Many leading scientists remain cautious, if not outright dubious. “Death is not optional; it’s written into our genes,” says Dr. Pinchas Cohen, dean of USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, flatly dismissing the notion of human immortality. Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing, is similarly sceptical – he calls the idea of cheating death “a pipe dream”, quipping that “if you want immortality, you should go to a church”. But such warnings have hardly slowed the longevity movement’s momentum.

Whether science ultimately conquers ageing, the pursuit itself is already reshaping the lifestyles of the rich and powerful. From billionaires chugging green juice in the pre-dawn hours to luxury resorts hawking cutting-edge “healthspan” treatments, the message is unmistakable. In 2025, youth and longevity have become the new status symbols. And in this rarefied world, time is the one thing that money can’t quite buy – but it won’t stop them from trying.

The Future of Biohacking

As technology advances and our understanding of ageing deepens, the line between science fiction and reality continues to blur. While the current landscape is fraught with uncertainties and ethical considerations, the momentum behind the longevity movement shows no signs of slowing.

For HNIs, the allure of eternal youth is more than a vanity project; it's a new frontier in luxury living. As the billionaire biohackers forge ahead, they not only redefine what it means to age but also challenge society's perceptions of health, wealth, and the human experience.