Sam Altman and the search for longer life
Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, is in his late thirties and has publicly pursued ideas about aging and longevity. He has expressed interest in funding a new generation of therapies aimed at extending healthy life, sometimes described as pills or interventions that could slow aging.
Altman practices regular exercise, follows a vegetarian diet, and is known to take metformin. This medication, traditionally prescribed for type 2 diabetes, is also discussed as a possible geroprotector—an agent believed to extend healthy lifespan by affecting cellular aging processes.
Advocates argue metformin may dampen the activity of aging cells, sometimes called senescent cells, which can contribute to various age-related conditions as people grow older, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and organ dysfunction. Critics caution that metformin is not recommended for healthy individuals due to potential side effects.
Some researchers believe that selectively removing aging cells could become a new approach to slow aging and possibly lengthen active life. The Mayo Clinic notes that similar drug strategies have been tested primarily in patients with serious illnesses, and there is no counsel to take such drugs for prevention in healthy people. In the long run, researchers hope these therapies could help patients facing incurable cancers, among other conditions.
Peter Thiel and his ice-cold plan
Peter Thiel, 55, a co-founder of PayPal, has publicly stated his plan to have his body frozen after death in the hope that future science might revive him. He discussed the idea in a candid interview on a podcast and acknowledged that it remains speculative rather than a guaranteed path to life extension.
Thiel has formally arranged for cryopreservation after death, though he has noted he would not encourage family members to pursue the method. He describes the project as experimental and not yet ready for broad adoption. Earlier this year, the Thiel Foundation invested in a startup that freezes deceased pets as a separate initiative.
Elon Musk and the AI-human fusion idea
Elon Musk, SpaceX and Tesla’s chief executive, is focused on merging human biology with artificial intelligence. He envisions progress through two ventures: OpenAI, which advances openAI research, and Neuralink, which works on brain-implant technology.
The goal is to create a chip that could eventually become a hub for human-computer interaction. Musk has suggested that such a device could be embedded discreetly in the skull and enable direct connections with AI. Neuralink has moved toward clinical trials, following animal testing that yielded initial positive results.
Proponents argue that this technology could help restore function for people with disabilities, such as paralysis, by linking neural activity to external systems. Over time, the vision includes potential control of bodily processes and cognitive functions, contributing to an active life in older age. Musk also raises a philosophical point: mortality may be essential for keeping ideas dynamic and society adaptable, signaling caution about pursuing immortality.
Meanwhile, Musk has launched another AI venture, rumored to involve substantial computing resources to power its development. This reflects his broader interest in how AI shapes human life and future society.
Jensen Huang and the idea of becoming a robot
Nvidia’s chief executive, Jensen Huang, has spoken about longevity and the possibility of a future where leadership could extend into a robotics form. He has suggested that his tenure as CEO could stretch for another few decades, after which he might transition to a robotic role while continuing to guide the company.
Huang helped found Nvidia in 1993 and has served as its CEO for three decades, a record that underscores his long-standing influence in the tech sector. The notion of a robotic successor was not framed as a definite plan but as a hypothetical way to describe enduring leadership in an era of rapid technological change.
Discussions around transforming into a robotic presence have prompted questions about the seriousness of such statements. Huang has previously been linked with the concept of digital representations, including a virtual version of his persona used during a public event, illustrating how far technology can mimic real leadership. Nvidia has demonstrated how digital avatars can perform parts of a public address, reflecting broader trends in AI-driven media and communication.