Key points from article :
The Netflix documentary Don’t Die - The Man Who Wants to Live Forever delves into Bryan Johnson’s mission to overcome ageing through a data-driven, algorithmic lifestyle. Johnson has meticulously structured every aspect of his life—diet, exercise, sleep, and social interactions—based solely on whether they reduce his risk of dying. With a vast amount of personal health data at his disposal, he eliminates anything that contradicts his algorithm’s conclusions, creating a life of strict discipline and relentless optimization. His approach, while fascinating, can seem extreme and unrelatable to many viewers.
The film alternates between Johnson’s story and commentary from leading ageing researchers like Brian Kennedy, Matt Kaeberlein, Vadim Gladyshev, Steve Horvath, and Andrew Steele. These experts often act as reality checks, stepping in to contextualize Johnson’s claims or challenge his methods when they appear excessive. However, the documentary also reveals that many of these scientists share a common vision: a future where ageing is defeated, and death becomes a rare occurrence.
Despite this shared goal, the film struggles to reconcile Johnson’s intensely personal experiment with the broader scientific journey to extend human lifespan. The result is a compelling exploration of the tension between individual ambition and the collective quest to redefine what it means to grow old.
