Can a Six-Month Longevity Competition Change Your Biological Age?

Even though I know I shouldn’t pay too much attention to my biological-age score, I’m still intrigued to see it. When I first took the test four years ago, the company I used gave me a biological age that matched my chronological age. It was a little disappointing and, to be honest, underwhelming.

A year later, the same company reported that my heart was young, but that my brain, liver, and hormonal system were relatively old. My lifestyle hasn’t changed much since then. Do a few additional years make a meaningful difference?

What Participants Receive in the Longevity Competition

Ultra participants pay $4,499 instead of the regular $999 admission price. They receive an MRI and DEXA scan, along with a range of additional blood tests and a watch. I received free press access to the standard package.

Testing Longevity Interventions

Glorioso also wants to gather information about the effects of several longevity approaches. During the competition, some participants will receive red-light masks, sauna access, or other low-risk services. Partner companies sponsoring the event to varying degrees may collect data from these interventions.

“Many of these companies cannot afford to operate. It’s a test,” Glorioso said.

Could Slowing Aging Benefit Public Health?

Glorioso also sees the event as a public health effort. A few years ago, David Sinclair, an aging researcher at Harvard Medical School, and his colleagues suggested that slowing aging across the general population—and adding one year to life expectancy—could save the U.S. economy $38 trillion.

When Does the Competition Begin?

The event officially begins in January, but Glorioso said approximately 120 people have already registered. Organizers ultimately expect 500 participants.

Each person’s six-month challenge begins once they complete their baseline measurements. A few participants have already started. “Most people will want to register after the holidays,” Glorioso said. “They’re not going to want to win the old competition over Christmas and Hanukkah.”