Anyone who has dipped a toe into the world of wellness in the last year or two will have heard the word longevity. It's become somewhat of a buzzword, with many of the world's top spas introducing new programmes designed for those seeking out the best ways to extend their lifespan. Below, we take a look at all the longevity-related hacks, words and lingo you need to know – and the places to find the ultimate longevity treatments.
AI massage
A global shortage of therapists is driving touchless treatments, a boon for those who hate towel-whisking, paper-knickers cringe. The Aescape robotic massage system is bossing the US in various fitness clubs, and has the UK in its sights. You wriggle into a skin-tight top and leggings, settle on the table, programme your massage and the palm-shaped paddles do their thing.
Where to find it: aescape.com
Binaural vibroacoustic technology
Binaural sound (different frequencies are fed into each ear, generating a third balancing frequency) is legit. The Welnamis bed adds in “sinewaves delivered through tactile traducers” (aka gentle vibrations). The cherry on the cake is theta music and colour therapy via LED lighting for delicious vibes.
Where to find it: zemaltea.com
Biocharger
A multi-modal platform that combines light, harmonic frequencies, micro-currents
and pulsed electromagnetic waves. It supposedly enhances vitality, improves sleep, boosts immunity and may have anti-ageing effects. You sit three feet from the unit and let the waves pass through – no pads, wires or electrodes.
Where to find it: nescens.com; greywolfe.co.uk
Cognitive stimulation
Brain photobiomodulation was developed by Nasa and Harvard University: it beams infrared light with different wavelengths to the brain. Said to activate neuronal mitochondria, increasing energy levels, mood and cognitive function, it’s painless, dispensing an almost pleasant brain glow.
Where to find it: rosebarlongevity.com; shawellness.com; zemaltea.com
Cold atmospheric plasma therapy
CAP uses ionised gas at low temperatures to interact with the body, upping the voltage of each cell (ageing apparently causes low electrical voltage). It’s said to enhance mitochondrial health and the nervous system, reducing cortisol while stimulating melatonin, serotonin and dopamine. Space-age beds such as the Human Regenerator are gaining traction. You lie down, fully clothed, and let the device do its thing. Some people report a mild tingling.
Where to find it: euphoriaretreat.com; humanregenerator.co.uk; shawellness.com
DNA 2.0
Advanced genomic testing is becoming the norm at medispas and longevity hubs. It might involve epigenetic testing for methylation processes (flagging disease risk factors), longevity and metabolic genes; circulating tumour cell testing for the earliest signs of cancer, as well as revealing biological age.
Where to find it: hum2n.com; chivasom.com
Exosome therapy
Considered the “brain” of stem cells, exosomes take stem cell treatment a step further (and supposedly without its possible side effects). Powerful proteins that help cells communicate coherently, they’re being heralded as next-level rejuvenators; the forefront of regenerative medicine. They are widely used topically in beauty, so the next step is injectables. The process is controversial, and comes with a warning to tread carefully, but it’s happening.
Where to find it: fourseasons.com
HIFEM
Hifem stands for high-intensity-focused electromagnetic energy. Add in radio frequency and you get next-generation fat-blasting, muscle-tightening machines such as the Emsculpt Neo, a nonsurgical physician-grade system. Paddles are belted to glutes, abs, arms and legs, causing supramaximal (hard as it gets) contractions. There is even a hifem chair that tightens up the pelvic floor. Facial applications promise wrinkle reduction and a tauter jawline. It’s twitchy but not uncomfortable.
Where to find it: cliniquelaprairie.com; hum2n.com
Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy
Great for boosting metabolism, enhancing performance and helping immunity.
You wear a mask and breathe in air with high and low oxygen levels at intervals. Damaged mitochondria can’t survive high-altitude air therapy so it weeds out the dross, pushing cells to regenerate these powerful organelles.
Where to find it: hum2n.com; parkigls.at; rosebarlongevity.com; zemaltea.com
MLX i3 dome
Three biohacks all at once? The MLX dome combines far-infrared, which supports metabolism and detoxification, with plasma and light technology to aid skin rejuvenation and detoxification. Lie back and relax.
Where to find it: cliniquelaprairie.com; nescens.com; fourseasons.com; shawellness.com; zemaltea.com
Neuro-wave stimulation
Can’t meditate? Try this acoustic and vibrational therapy, guided by technology, which coaxes overloaded brains into healthier patterns. It’s a non-invasive approach used to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD and sleep disorders.
Where to find it: cliniquelaprairie.com; shawellness.com
Ozone therapy
Ozone therapy is said to improve energy levels and circulation, lower inflammation and boost the immune system. Ozone gas is injected directly into the bloodstream or, in a process called autohemotherapy, blood is drawn, mixed with ozone and then reinfused into the body.
Where to find it: clinic-badragaz.ch; hum2n.com; fourseasons.com; rosebarlongevity.com; zemaltea.com
Personalised IV infusions
Next-generation IV infusions are ramping up beyond simple NAD+ or B12, with
supercharged blends of nutrients, mitochrondrial boosters and gut-health enhancers. Exosome-enriched and peptide-infused IVs for tissue repair and anti-ageing are looking promising. Be cautious of the more extreme cocktails.
Where to find it: Most medispas and longevity hubs including cliniquelaprairie.com, hum2n.com, anantara.com and vivamayr.com
Psycho aromatherapy
Aromatherapists know that scent stimulates brain pathways, supporting memory, mood and cognitive health. Now the science is catching up and sophisticated olfactory-based psychotherapy is a thing.
Where to find it: Various versions at preidlhof.com and rosebarlongevity.com
Senotherapeutics
Longevity doctors are calling senolytics a “game-changer”. By targeting and removing ageing cells, cellular wear is slowed, inflammation drops and vitality perks up. Biotech companies are racing to discover optimum blends with a host of drugs in clinical trials. In the meantime, biohackers are using natural supplements including fisetin and quercetin.
Where to find it: Most medispas and longevity hubs sell senolytic compounds – or buy online.