The Longevity Code: How Purpose, Connection, and Science Are Rewriting Aging Episode Description:

Mark Hyman

Jul 21, 2025

Episode description

Longevity isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years. At the heart of lasting vitality are the often-overlooked essentials: deep social connection, a clear sense of purpose, and a mindset filled with optimism. These emotional and relational foundations are just as critical as what’s happening inside the body. Thanks to emerging diagnostics and the growing field of functional and longevity medicine, we now have the ability to detect subtle shifts in biology—long before symptoms arise—giving us the chance to course-correct with personalized strategies. By combining cutting-edge science with time-tested lifestyle practices like nourishing food, regular movement, restful sleep, and meaningful relationships, we can not only slow the aging process but begin to reverse it—unlocking a future where growing older means growing stronger, wiser, and more vibrant.

In this episode, I explore, along with Peter Diamandis and Dr. Jeffrey Bland the keys to living a longer, healthier life by combining cutting-edge longevity science with the power of mindset, purpose, and meaningful connection. 

Peter Diamandis is the founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions. He was recently named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” He is also the executive founder of Singularity University, a graduate-level Silicon Valley institution that counsels the world's leaders on exponentially growing technologies.

Dr. Jeff Bland is the founder of Big Bold Health, a company on a mission to transform the way people think about one of nature’s greatest innovations—the immune system. Through Big Bold Health, Dr. Bland is advocating for the power of Immuno-Rejuvenation to enhance immunity at a global level, often through the rediscovery of ancient food crops and superfoods. To get there, he is building a network of small farms and suppliers throughout the US that take a clear stance on regenerative agriculture, environmental stewardship, and planetary health. Dr. Bland’s career in health spans more than 40 years. A nutritional biochemist by training, he began in academia as a university professor. He then spent three decades in the natural products industry, working alongside other pioneers. A lifelong educator, Dr. Bland has traveled the world many times over in his role as the “father of functional medicine.” In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, he founded another educational nonprofit called the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute. Dr. Bland is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as countless additional books and research papers.

This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers.

Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman

Episode description

Longevity isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years. At the heart of lasting vitality are the often-overlooked essentials: deep social connection, a clear sense of purpose, and a mindset filled with optimism. These emotional and relational foundations are just as critical as what’s happening inside the body. Thanks to emerging diagnostics and the growing field of functional and longevity medicine, we now have the ability to detect subtle shifts in biology—long before symptoms arise—giving us the chance to course-correct with personalized strategies. By combining cutting-edge science with time-tested lifestyle practices like nourishing food, regular movement, restful sleep, and meaningful relationships, we can not only slow the aging process but begin to reverse it—unlocking a future where growing older means growing stronger, wiser, and more vibrant.

In this episode, I explore, along with Peter Diamandis and Dr. Jeffrey Bland the keys to living a longer, healthier life by combining cutting-edge longevity science with the power of mindset, purpose, and meaningful connection. 

Peter Diamandis is the founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions. He was recently named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” He is also the executive founder of Singularity University, a graduate-level Silicon Valley institution that counsels the world's leaders on exponentially growing technologies.

Dr. Jeff Bland is the founder of Big Bold Health, a company on a mission to transform the way people think about one of nature’s greatest innovations—the immune system. Through Big Bold Health, Dr. Bland is advocating for the power of Immuno-Rejuvenation to enhance immunity at a global level, often through the rediscovery of ancient food crops and superfoods. To get there, he is building a network of small farms and suppliers throughout the US that take a clear stance on regenerative agriculture, environmental stewardship, and planetary health. Dr. Bland’s career in health spans more than 40 years. A nutritional biochemist by training, he began in academia as a university professor. He then spent three decades in the natural products industry, working alongside other pioneers. A lifelong educator, Dr. Bland has traveled the world many times over in his role as the “father of functional medicine.” In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, he founded another educational nonprofit called the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute. Dr. Bland is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as countless additional books and research papers.

This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers.

Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize AI heart scans to identify dangerous soft plaque

AI-powered heart scans can now distinguish between safe, calcified plaque and dangerous soft plaque, which is the type that can rupture and cause a heart attack.

Reevaluate longevity in light of evolutionary design

We likely weren't designed to live past age 30, which is why diseases of aging like cancer and heart disease were never evolutionarily selected against.

Understand immune scars left by viruses to protect health

Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can leave 'immune scars,' which are epigenetic marks that permanently alter your immune system's function.

Combat loneliness to reduce health risks equivalent to heavy smoking

Being lonely and socially isolated is equivalent to the health risk of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day.

Engage in loving conversations to activate healing genes

Loving conversations can literally turn on your anti-inflammatory and healing genes, while conflictual ones increase stress hormones and inflammation.

Prioritize relationships for a long, happy, and healthy life

An 80-year Harvard study concluded that good relationships, not career achievement, diet, or exercise, were the most important determinant of a long, happy, and healthy life.

Access cutting-edge longevity drugs through research programs

A program called 'Edge' gives a small number of members access to participate in research protocols for investigational drugs like rapamycin and therapies like total plasma exchange.

Embrace preventative imaging to catch disease early

A new health insurance model is emerging that provides extensive preventative imaging for free to catch disease early, rather than just paying for treatment after you get sick.

Get annual digital body upload for early health issue detection

Every year, you can get a 'digital upload' including a full-body MRI and AI-powered coronary scan to find issues like cancer or aneurysms before they become a problem.

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