Category: BIOCOACH

  • Tiny Habits – Do small steps lead to behavioral change?

    From a BIOCOACH perspective, we know how important behavioral change is when helping our clients achieve their goals. The concept of “Tiny Habits”, introduced by behavioral scientist BJ Fogg, offers an interesting approach to creating lasting change.

    However, there are common mistakes that people make when implementing this method that hinder their progress. Below we look at these mistakes and show how to avoid them.

    Mistake #1: Combining unrelated small steps
    One of the most common mistakes is combining completely unrelated actions. We misunderstand the idea of combining (any) small habits and hope for positive results. For example, we might decide to do a push-up every day after brushing our teeth. The problem with this lies in the stark contrast between these two actions: our brain is confused and it becomes difficult to establish the desired habit. To ensure successful habit formation, it is important to choose actions that are related to each other and allow for smooth transitions.

    Mistake #2: Overemphasizing the effortless and easy
    Another common misconception is that small habits should be effortless and trivial. While the idea is to make habits so easy that it becomes impossible not to be able to do them, this overlooks the importance of aligning habits with personal values and a sense of fulfillment. Studies show that we are more likely to stick to habits that align with our values and contribute to our fulfillment. Meaningless habits that have no personal meaning, on the other hand, are not retained. Developing habits that are slightly more challenging and require mental negotiation can help build skills and resilience. Without a gradual increase in difficulty, learning progress is therefore limited.

    Mistake #3: Tiny habits reinforce rigid thinking
    Many people tend to have an all-or-nothing mindset and try to become more flexible in their thinking. Unfortunately, small habits often reinforce rigid habits. For example, someone who resolves to tidy their bedroom every day may start with the tiny habit of fluffing a single pillow. However, the binary nature of this habit – either you make it or you fail – can be detrimental to people who already struggle with all-or-nothing thinking. These people tend to use the binary against themselves, leading to feelings of failure and self-criticism. To avoid this, it is important to approach habits with a more flexible perspective, acknowledging progress and engaging in the learning journey rather than fixating on absolute success or failure.

    In summary, while the concept of small habits offers valuable insights, it is crucial to properly understand the underlying concepts. By choosing related actions, making sense of our small habits and encouraging flexible thinking, we can develop a more effective behavior change strategy. Change is not always easy, but through persistence, accepting challenges and small rewards for progress, we can truly grow and evolve. It’s not always easy, this is where feedback sessions with our BIOCOACHES are helpful.

  • Unlocking Health Rewards: The BIOCOACH OM Incentive System

    At our end-user program, BIOCOACH, we believe longevity is a personal journey and a collective endeavor. That’s why we’ve introduced the BIOCOACH Incentive System, designed to reward users with OM reward points for engaging with our app during its BC1 pilot phase. Here’s how it works and why it’s built on robust scientific principles.

    Why Simplicity Matters

    The BIOCOACH app (available for BC1 pilot phase participants) focuses on simplicity. We’ve learned that limiting the number of incentivized activities can amplify the effectiveness of our program. Concentrating our incentives on key health behaviors ensures users aren’t overwhelmed and that their efforts are directed towards actions that truly matter for their health.

    Salient Incentives

    Inspired by science, our OM reward points are structured to be visibly rewarding. Whether it’s points for logging meals, achieving step goals, or participating in community challenges, these incentives are designed to resonate with users’ psychological perception of value, making them more impactful.

    Instant Gratification

    Behavioral economics tells us that immediate feedback can significantly influence behavior change. That’s why, with BIOCOACH, you earn OM points right away. This immediacy feels rewarding and reinforces the behavior, encouraging continued participation.

    Targeting the Right Audience

    Our system is tailored to motivate individuals who engage in healthy behaviors. Rather than rewarding those who would not otherwise engage in healthy activities, we aim to inspire change by fostering new health habits among those who understand the virtues of a good, long life.

    Evidence-Based Incentives

    Every point earned in BIOCOACH is linked to health data sharing and real health outcomes. Whether through process metrics like daily activity levels or direct health improvements, our rewards system is grounded in evidence, ensuring that every OM point contributes to a healthier you.

    Reward Size Matters

    We’ve calibrated our incentives to reflect the difficulty and value of the health behaviors we encourage. A step goal might earn you a modest amount, but achieving a significant health milestone or participating in a long-term study could yield substantial OM points, reflecting the effort and impact of your actions.

    Setting Achievable Goals

    BIOCOACH employs a goal gradient strategy. We set progressive, achievable goals that guide users toward success, one small victory at a time. This approach keeps motivation high and discouragement at bay, ensuring continuous engagement.

    The Power of Regret

    Finally, we leverage the concept of anticipated regret. Users are informed of their achievements and potential rewards they missed out on due to non-participation. This feedback loop lets users visualize the benefits of sticking with the program.

    Join the BIOCOACH Revolution!

    With the BIOCOACH app, your health journey is rewarded at every step. By participating in the BC1 pilot phase, you’re not just investing in your health; you’re earning valuable OM points that can be redeemed for various benefits, from health gadgets to wellness services.  Join us, take control of your health, and let BIOCOACH show you how rewarding a healthier lifestyle can be. Remember, in BIOCOACH, every step counts, every goal matters, and every reward is a step toward a better you. 

    Start your journey with BIOCOACH today!

  • Groundbreaking study reveals cellular secret of muscle ageing

    Ageing is a natural process that affects every aspect of our lives, including our physical abilities. One of the most important consequences of aging is the gradual decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength, leading to a loss of physical function in later years. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this decline is critical to developing strategies to slow or prevent this process, and recent research has taken a major step towards this goal.

    In a groundbreaking study, a team of researchers used single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze over 90,000 muscle cells and nuclei from 17 human donors. This innovative approach allowed the researchers to characterize muscle aging at the cellular and subcellular level, providing valuable insights into the processes that contribute to age-related decline in muscle function.

    The study revealed several important insights into the mechanisms underlying muscle ageing. One important observation is the degeneration of neuromuscular junctions, which are crucial for proper muscle function. With increasing age, these connections deteriorate, resulting in reduced muscle activation and strength.

    Another important finding is the reduced activation of muscle stem cells, which play a critical role in maintaining muscle health and regeneration. As we age, these stem cells become less active, contributing to loss of muscle mass and function.
    The study also identified an increase in muscle inflammation as a relevant factor contributing to age-related muscle loss. Chronic inflammation is known to have detrimental effects on various tissues and organs, and it appears to play a similar role in aging muscle.

    To facilitate further progress in this area, the researchers have developed an online atlas that makes the data obtained in their study publicly available. This valuable resource will allow researchers worldwide to access and analyze the data, which could lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs in our understanding of muscle aging.

    The implications of this study are far-reaching and have the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. By shedding light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying muscle aging, this research opens new avenues for the development of interventions and therapies aimed at preserving muscle function and preventing age-related decline.
    As we age, it is important to understand the complex processes that contribute to the degradation of our bodies. This study is an important step towards this goal, and its findings will undoubtedly stimulate further research and innovation in the field of muscle ageing. By working together and harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, we can unlock the secrets of ageing and improve the quality of life of older people around the world.

    In our BIOCOACH program, we analyze the muscle aging of our participants by measuring grip strength. This is done with the help of a hand dynamometer, a handy device that can be used very easily at home on a daily basis to measure muscle strength.

  • Meditation – The Key to Longevity

    Meditation has recently gained popularity as a means of reducing stress and improving general well-being. Originally an ancient Eastern practice, meditation has also caught on in Western culture as a means of increasing longevity. At its core, meditation is about observing your thoughts without judging them.

    One of the most important benefits of meditation is its ability to lower cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which is known to contribute to various health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Stress triggers inflammation through various mechanisms, including hormonal responses, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, immune system overreactions, oxidative stress, and changes in the gut microbiota.

    Research has shown that intensive meditation practices such as the Isha Samyama practice can reduce chronic inflammation over time. Studies have shown that physical symptoms such as weight loss and lowering of C-reactive protein improved in participants who engaged in these practices. In addition, meditation has been linked to improved brain connectivity, which may help prevent the onset of mental illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

    Meditation offers numerous scientifically proven benefits overall, including increased self-awareness, relaxation, and calmness. Many research results indicate that, in addition to psychological effects, meditation also has direct positive effects on physical health, for example on cell aging. A recent study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term meditation practice on quality of life, state of mindfulness, and telomerase plasma levels in healthy adults.

    A total of 30 experienced long-term meditators and 30 age- and gender-matched non-meditators were recruited for the study. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) was used to measure the level of mindfulness, while the Quality of Life Questionnaire assessed quality of life. Plasma telomerase enzyme levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.
    The results showed that practiced meditators had a significantly better level of mindfulness and quality of life than non-meditators (p < 0.001). In addition, practiced meditators were found to have higher plasma telomerase levels compared to non-meditators (p = 0.002). The duration of meditation practice was found to be significantly related to the mindfulness trait and plasma telomerase levels (p = 0.046 and p = 0.011, respectively). A regression analysis showed that the level of mindfulness significantly predicted plasma telomerase levels (p < 0.001).

    This study adds to the growing body of evidence on the long-term benefits of meditation for well-being and healthy aging. The results suggest that incorporating meditation-based activities into lifestyle may help improve quality of life, mindfulness, and physical health. Further research is needed to explore the specific biological and psychological mechanisms underlying these effects.

    Incorporating a regular meditation practice into one’s lifestyle can have numerous benefits for physical and mental longevity. In addition to a healthy diet, including supplements, and sufficient physical activity, research shows that meditation is a free and easily accessible method that has been shown to promote longevity. By reducing stress and inflammation, improving brain connectivity (neuroplasticity), and promoting overall well-being, meditation can be an effective tool for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

  • The Revolution in the Healthcare System: The Role of BIOCOACH

    In a world that increasingly values prevention and healthy aging, a new, revolutionary role has emerged in the healthcare system: the BIOCOACH. This new type of health advisor fills the gap between the individual and the doctor by offering preventive measures and longevity strategies. As a result, visits to the doctor are reduced to acute cases only.

    What is a BIOCOACH?

    A BIOCOACH is a certified expert in Longevity Health who helps its clients lead a longer, healthier, and more active life. Unlike traditional personal trainers who mainly focus on fitness, the BIOCOACH provides holistic counseling based on clinical diagnostics. This includes areas such as nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress management, and lifestyle.

    Why is the BIOCOACH important?

    Modern medicine has made great strides in treating diseases, but the focus on prevention and healthy aging is often lost. That’s where the BIOCOACH comes in. By providing tailored recommendations and individual guidance, the BIOCOACH supports their clients in developing and maintaining healthy habits. This not only leads to a higher quality of life but can also significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    The connection between individual and doctor

    The BIOCOACH acts as a bridge between the individual and the doctor. While doctors are primarily responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, BIOCOACHES focus on preventive measures. With the help of AI-supported analysis of health data continuously collected through the BIOCOACH App, personalized recommendations are developed to help customers stay healthy and slow down their biological age. This means that a doctor’s visit is often no longer necessary or only needed in cases of acute illness.

    The advantages of the BIOCOACH

    • Personalized health counseling: Each person is unique, just like their health conditions (DNA) and lifestyle. A BIOCOACH offers customized recommendations tailored to the individual’s current health status and lifestyle.
    • Holistic approach: A BIOCOACH considers all aspects of life – from nutrition to fitness to mental health and sleep. This holistic approach maximizes Healthspan, which is the time spent living a healthy and active life.
    • Long-term guidance: Health is a lifelong process. A BIOCOACH supports their clients over an extended period and helps them achieve and maintain their health goals while slowing down their biological age.
    • Reduced disease risks: Through preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle, many chronic diseases can be avoided. This not only reduces the need for doctor visits but also improves quality of life.

    Conclusion

    The BIOCOACH is a valuable addition to modern healthcare systems. By taking a preventive and holistic approach, they help their clients lead a longer and healthier life. In an era where prevention is becoming increasingly important, the BIOCOACH offers an innovative solution that combines the best of two worlds: personalized guidance from a trainer and the scientific foundation of a Longevity expert who works together with their clients to maximize a healthy lifespan.

  • The Impact of NMN, NAD+, and NR, on Longevity

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a crucial molecule found in every cell of our body. It’s like a spark plug that helps power various essential processes, such as fixing DNA damage, controlling gene activity, producing energy, and regulating calcium levels. NAD+ levels tend to increase when our energy levels are low, like during fasting, calorie restriction, or exercise.

    Let’s dive deeper into the role of NAD+ in our bodies, its decline with age and health issues, and the challenges of oral supplementation.

    Role of NAD+ in the body:
    NAD+ is a crucial molecule that acts as a cofactor and substrate for various cellular processes, including:

    1. DNA repair: NAD+ is essential for repairing damaged DNA, which helps maintain the stability of our genetic information.
    2. Epigenetic regulation: NAD+ plays a role in controlling the expression of genes by modifying their structure. This process is crucial for normal development and cellular function.
    3. Energy production: NAD+ is a key player in the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which generates ATP (the energy currency of our cells).
    4. Intracellular calcium signaling: NAD+ helps regulate calcium levels within our cells, which is important for cellular communication and function.
    5. Immune function: NAD+ is involved in the activation of immune cells, which helps our bodies fight off infections.

    Decline of NAD+ with age and health issues:
    As we age, our NAD+ levels tend to decrease, which can contribute to various age-related issues. Low NAD+ levels have been linked to:

    1. Aging: Reduced NAD+ levels may play a role in the aging process itself.
    2. Cellular senescence: Senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and are no longer functional, accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction. Low NAD+ levels may promote cellular senescence.
    3. Inflammation: Decreased NAD+ levels can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a major contributor to various age-related diseases.
    4. Metabolic dysfunction: Low NAD+ levels have been implicated in insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

    Challenges of oral NAD+ supplementation:
    Despite the potential benefits of boosting NAD+ levels, taking NAD+ orally is not a straightforward solution. This is because:

    1. Poor bioavailability: Oral NAD+ supplementation has poor bioavailability, meaning that only a small fraction of the ingested NAD+ is absorbed into the bloodstream.
    2. Gut metabolism: NAD+ is metabolized by enzymes in the gut, which further reduces its availability to the body.
    3. Inefficient conversion: When NAD+ is absorbed, it may be converted back to its inactive form, NAM, by the enzyme NADase.

    Alternative NAD+ precursors:
    Researchers are exploring alternative precursors of NAD+ that might be more effective in boosting NAD+ levels. These precursors include:

    1. Nicotinic acid (NA): NA is a direct precursor of NAD+ and has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in certain tissues.
    2. Nicotinamide riboside (NR): NR is a precursor of NAD+ that is more stable than NAD+ itself and has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in mice.
    3. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): NMN is another precursor of NAD+ that has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in mice and is currently being studied for its potential benefits in humans.
    4. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ribose (NAR): NAR is a form of NAD+ that contains ribose instead of deoxyribose. It has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in certain tissues.

    These alternative precursors are being investigated for their potential to improve NAD+ levels and provide therapeutic benefits. However, more research is needed to understand their efficacy and safety in humans fully. Intravenous infusion of NAD+ remains the most effective way to boost NAD+ levels, but alternative precursors may offer a more convenient and effective option.

    The discovery of Sirtuins, a group of enzymes that depend on NAD and are linked to longevity, has opened up a new frontier in aging research. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in using the NAD/Sirtuin pathway to combat brain aging, and therapies based on this principle are expected to become available in the future.

    A breakthrough in this field is the identification of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a vitamin precursor of NAD with excellent oral bioavailability in both mice and humans. Studies have shown that a single daily dose of NR (1000 mg) can increase blood NAD+ levels by 270% within seven days. Additionally, NMN, another NAD+ precursor, is metabolized into NR, which is then converted into NAD+ inside cells.

    In mice with metabolic impairments, NR supplementation has been linked to increased SIRT1 expression, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced mitochondrial function. In a fly model of Parkinson’s disease, NR supplementation has been shown to reduce the loss of dopaminergic neurons and improve motor skills. Furthermore, NR supplementation has been found to reduce tau phosphorylation and enhance cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease with DNA repair defects.

    Another study demonstrated that NMN supplementation promoted mitogenesis in nematode neurons and improved cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease. In a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, NMN reduced Aβ aggregation, enhanced spatial memory, and increased neuronal survival, partly by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings suggest that NAD+ precursors like NR and NMN may hold promise in treating age-related brain diseases and improving cognitive function.

  • Rapamycin – Effects on Aging and Potential Therapeutic Applications

    Rapamycin’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and aging. mTOR exists in two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. mTORC1 is more sensitive to rapamycin and is responsible for controlling cell growth and metabolism. mTORC2, on the other hand, is involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal organization, cell survival, and cell metabolism.

    Inhibition of mTORC1 by Rapamycin has been shown to have several beneficial effects on age-related diseases and longevity. These include:

    1. Prolonging lifespan: Studies in yeast, worms, flies, and mice have demonstrated that rapamycin treatment can increase lifespan. In mice, rapamycin supplementation has been shown to extend median and maximum lifespan by up to 14% in females and 9% in males.
    2. Delaying aging: Rapamycin has been found to slow down the aging process by reducing age-related damage to cells, improving cellular function, and promoting cellular repair mechanisms.
    3. Improving age-related diseases: Rapamycin has been shown to improve various age-related diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    The exact mechanisms by which rapamycin exerts its anti-aging effects are not fully understood, but several hypotheses have been proposed. Some of these include:

    1. Autophagy enhancement: Rapamycin has been shown to enhance autophagy, a cellular process that helps remove damaged or dysfunctional organelles and proteins, which can contribute to aging.
    2. mTORC1-mediated metabolic regulation: Inhibition of mTORC1 by Rapamycin leads to changes in cellular metabolism, including reduced insulin signaling, increased fat oxidation, and reduced inflammation, all of which may contribute to the anti-aging effects.
    3. Telomere maintenance: Rapamycin has been shown to maintain telomere length, which can help protect against cellular aging.

    While Rapamycin shows great promise as an anti-aging therapy, there are still challenges to overcome before it can be widely used in humans. Some of these challenges include:

    1. Side effects: Rapamycin has been shown to have side effects in animals, including immunosuppression, gastrointestinal issues, and impaired glucose tolerance. These side effects need to be carefully evaluated in human clinical trials.
    2. Dose and timing: The optimal dose and timing of Rapamycin administration for anti-aging effects are not yet established and may need to be tailored to individual patients.
    3. Drug delivery: Rapamycin is typically administered orally or intraperitoneally, but alternative drug delivery methods may be needed for more effective and targeted treatment.

    Despite these challenges, ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the potential of Rapamycin as an anti-aging therapy. With further research, Rapamycin may become an important tool in the fight against aging and age-related diseases. However, compared to other nutrients that are essential parts of our Longevity Lifestyle, we remain cautious in the case of Rapamycin because of the above mentioned complexity, specifically regarding potential side effects and dosing.

    If you want to learn even more about Rapamycin, you might want to watch this podcast episode by Peter Attia, in conversation with longevity researchers Matt Kaeberlein and David Sabatini.

  • Longevity and financial provision go hand in hand

    Retirement provision is the term we usually use to describe the financial provision we make to secure our standard of living in retirement. Financial provision for old age includes various measures aimed at saving income or assets to be financially secure in old age.

    From health consumer to health investor

    BIOCOACH applies this financial concept to our health: we don’t just want to be financially secure in old age, we want to enjoy the best possible health – for as long as possible! As we humans are much more familiar with the concept of financial retirement planning than making our health “age-proof”, BIOCOACH offers a 1:1 transfer: we show our users how they can apply individual aspects from the financial sector that have been proven to work to their health.

    Let’s take a look at the key aspects of financial provision for old age and derive appropriate measures to maximize our longevity and healthspan – in other words, to live as long and healthy a life as possible:

    Finance
    Private pension insurance/pension funds/investment funds

    Individuals make regular contributions over a certain period or invest part of their income to receive a lifelong pension or income in return when they retire. The key point is the regularity of manageable investments in the future.  The compound interest effect ensures a significant increase in assets here, far beyond selective individual investments.

    Longevity 
    Regular health activities

    The lifelong pension in our case is called longevity, or maximum healthspan: as long as we live, and for as long as possible, we want to stay healthy and active. Regular contributions can take very different forms – the important thing is that they are made regularly, started as early as possible, and implemented consistently and continuously. The BIOCOACH subscription is such a health investment: with regular, manageable expenditure. Daily physical activities of all kinds, a well-thought-out diet, and attention to various sensible lifestyle factors ensure a daily dose of health with a compound interest effect: as our body renews itself daily through cell division and the aging process, including various age-related signs of wear and tear, is primarily due to errors in cell division, daily investment in longevity slows down the aging process and maximizes our healthspan.

    Finance
    A balanced portfolio

    Financial retirement provision is a combination of several measures to build up a balanced portfolio and protect against various risks. In addition to the pension insurance policies, pension funds, and investment funds mentioned so far, this includes real estate, shares, and other private savings and financial investments. We all have different expectations of the future and start from different positions.

    Longevity
    It’s all in the mix

    It’s the same with our health: our DNA, which is responsible for around 15-20% of our long-term health, makes us unique individuals. This is why the same health recipe does not apply to everyone – even if some pseudo-scientific advice suggests this. Each of us is entitled to an individual assessment of our health situation and corresponding recommendations on longevity and Healthspan. Starting with our BIOCOACH BC1 pilot phase, we are developing a longevity algorithm that will enable individual, personalized longevity recommendations. The longevity algorithm is modified during the BIOCOACH subscription in the same way that investment behavior within financial retirement planning should be adjusted over time: the longevity recommendations are dynamically adjusted depending on the biomarkers analyzed by regular diagnostics.

    Finance
    Unforeseen expenses 

    In old age, unexpected expenses can arise, be it for medical treatment, the need for care or other emergencies. A solid retirement plan can help cover such costs without having to rely on support from family members or government assistance programs.

    Longevity
    Unforeseen accidents and illnesses

    This is where the financial sector and our health are directly intertwined: the older we get, the weaker our immune system, our bone structure, our perception, etc. become. This regularly leads to accidents or illnesses that we could have easily avoided, remedied, or cured when we were younger, but which develop into serious problems as we get older. For people with a weak musculoskeletal system and bone structure, the result of minor falls can mean a lengthy stay in hospital with operations, which in turn further weaken their health. The same applies to our digestive system and our cardiovascular system – as we get older, we slow down. Prevention is therefore the means of choice: regular muscle training, a diet geared towards a healthy skeleton, and endurance training are indispensable components of a good longevity plan: in this way, unforeseen accidents or illnesses become less of a threat.

    Old-age provision done right: From health consumer to health investor

    Overall, adequate financial provision for old age and a good longevity plan is therefore crucial to ensure both financial security and longevity as well as maximum healthspan. If you envision a fulfilling, high-quality life as you age and are interested in a solid plan to maximize your healthspan and become a health investor instead of a health consumer, get on the waiting list for our BIOCOACH BC1 pilot phase!

  • The Great Longevity Misconception

    Fountain of youth, eternal life, immortality – most people associate longevity with these terms. But at its core it is about something else: the goal of longevity is not the maximization of quantitative lifespan, but the highest possible quality of life. Healthspan instead of lifespan is at the center of longevity research and development. Once this misunderstanding has been cleared up, there is nothing to be said against longevity – all people want to be able to enjoy life as long as possible, healthily, and actively.

    When Harvard University research biologist and epigeneticist David Sinclair titled his 2019 debut book and subsequent bestseller Lifespan – Why We Age, and Why We Don’t Have To, he probably calculated a contradiction to that effect. His research, however, like that of most scientists in the field, is primarily aimed at keeping the human organism healthy for as long as possible. A lifestyle influenced by many epigenetic factors strengthens the body’s immune system, thereby reducing the risk of disease and slowing down the aging process. This epigenetic influence subsequently leads to a higher life expectancy, which, however, is the result of a lifestyle optimized by research findings, but not the primary goal. Man’s highest good is his health – and maintaining this for as long as possible is the endeavor of longevity research.

    The Longevity Trend

    The term longevity has been on everyone’s lips for a few years now: alternating with quantum computing and AI, longevity takes the lion’s share in the technology and innovation categories of the media. Billionaires are founding and promoting start-ups and research centers, pharmaceutical companies are opening longevity divisions, doctors’ surgeries are transforming into “well-aging” centers and an already unmanageable variety of longevity supplements are wooing the inclined consumer. There is no shortage of longevity offers – only the selection of the right product, the best possible treatment or the most sensible lifestyle change presents the individual with a challenge. People interested in longevity who want to positively influence their healthspan sooner rather than later must currently either dive deep into the relevant research reading and become longevity experts, or follow general advice from the media or their circle of friends.

    The Missing Data Problem

    What is missing is individualization, i.e. personalized advice on lifestyle adjustments, taking supplements, or more advanced longevity applications, such as blood plasma cleansing or reprogramming of body cells. To achieve such individualization, it is necessary to collect and process a large amount of health data – provided by as many genetically and epigenetically different people as possible, including the effects of the epigenetic lifestyle adjustments to be studied. Without this data, no sufficiently precise statements can be made about the effectiveness of longevity products, treatments, and lifestyles. Today, such data are only sporadically available, measured in small non-representative groups of humans, or – in larger numbers – animals (mostly mice). As long as this data gap exists, only cautious and general statements can be made about the effectiveness of longevity approaches, but by no means are precise statements tailored to the individual.

    Longevity – Individual and Personal

    The data described must therefore first be procured. Procurement takes a long time and is typically very time-consuming and expensive. With NOMIX, we are facing exactly this Herculean task: We are convinced that we have developed a well-suited method to obtain and analyze data on the current health conditions of as many different people as possible and their changes depending on longevity measures. The data is collected via our BIOCOACH app and supplemented via additional measures such as blood samples, etc. Interested BIOCOACH users take part in regularly conducted studies and tests in which longevity measures and their effects on the participants are collected. All data flows into CODIS, the collective digital immune system. Here, the data is analyzed on the basis of current longevity research with the help of artificial intelligence. The results are presented to the users of the BIOCLOCK app as individualized longevity advice. The BIOCOACH offers each user her personal longevity lifestyle and accompanies her in optimizing her longevity strategy.

    AI-supported Longevity Strategies

    The CODIS database is built up and delivers a higher evaluation quality with increasing data volume with regard to the resulting longevity factors. At the start of the BIOCOACH app, therefore, only general advice can be given – the BIOCOACH does not yet operate at an individualized level. The more people use the BIOCOACH App and the more actively the individual users participate in studies and tests, the faster this level will be reached. In addition, many users can also significantly improve their lifestyles with more general advice, so that the NOMIX team assumes individually perceptible successes of BIOCOACH App use for the individual right from the start.

    The BIOCOACH app will be launched in 2024 – interested users can register on our NOMIX website to participate in the app test in a closed user group. We look forward to seeing you!