Rock band members usually embrace a live-fast-die-young lifestyle, but in the 1990s grunge scene, one guitarist stood out. Valter Longo, an Italian Ph.D. student with a passion for nutrition, struggled with an addiction to longevity amidst the drinking and drugging after shows at iconic West Coast clubs like the Whiskey a Go Go and Roxy.
Decades after leaving his grunge band, DOT, Dr. Longo now finds himself at the intersection of Italy’s fascination with eating and aging. His research lab at a Milan cancer institute has become a hub for exploring the secrets of longevity in a country known for its high concentration of centenarians.
With his signature floppy rocker hair and lab coat, Dr. Longo, who is 56 but looks much younger, is a leading figure in the field of aging research. He has developed a plant and nut-based diet, complete with supplements and kale crackers, that mimics the effects of fasting on cells without the need for actual starvation. His ProLon diet kits have gained popularity, and he has authored best-selling books on the subject.
In a recent study based on clinical trials, Dr. Longo found that his fasting-mimicking approach could reduce biological age and help prevent age-related illnesses. His foundation in Milan provides tailored diets for cancer patients and promotes a Mediterranean diet that is increasingly rare in modern Italy.
Despite the global interest in longevity and aging, Italy remains a focal point for researchers seeking the secrets of long life. Dr. Longo speculates that Italy’s centenarians may owe their longevity to a combination of factors, including early exposure to a Mediterranean diet and periods of scarcity followed by prosperity.
Reflecting on his own journey from a young musician in Chicago to a renowned aging researcher, Dr. Longo remains committed to his mission of extending youth and health. He envisions a future where advancements in science and nutrition could allow people to live to 100 or even 110 in good health, while those who do not follow such practices may face a different fate.
As he continues his work at the forefront of aging research, Dr. Longo is driven by a desire to help people live longer, healthier lives, rather than simply adding years to their lifespan. In a world where longevity is increasingly within reach, he remains focused on unlocking the secrets of aging and sharing his findings with the world.