Everyone is talking about the longevity megatrend. Longevity expert Dr. Kati Ernst gives insider tips to help you get started right away – without high-tech labs and expensive health coaches.
Longevity: Why we should train now for our future bodies
Health 2.0 – How Dr. Kati Ernst shows us that longevity is not just a buzzword, but can be our gamechanger
Longevity – sounds a bit like a high-tech laboratory and expensively paid health coaches, doesn’t it? But Kati Ernst, mother of three, shows that there is one thing in particular behind the term: the big goal of living a long life without losing quality of life. With her podcast and her own story, she inspires us to lay the foundations for our tomorrow today. And spoiler: It’s not about perfection, but about small steps with a big impact.
It all starts with a "Damn, it can't go on like this"
“I hardly had any time for my body,” admits Kati. Until corona came along. And with it the harsh reality: overweight, back pain and the nagging feeling that her lifestyle was leading her in exactly the wrong direction. “It was as if I had given myself an ultimatum,” she says. The idea that a virus could catapult her into retirement because of her health became a turning point. “That was the moment when the future Kati became the present Kati.”
Longevity - Not just for Brian Johnson and Co.
While tech billionaires invest millions in biohacking, Kati makes longevity suitable for everyday use. No expensive supplements, no daily blood work, just pragmatic hacks for everyone who has both feet on the ground:
1. Muscle building as a must-have:
Bye-bye cardio hype, hello strength training! “We women need muscles to stay not only physically but also mentally stable,” she says. Kati swears by YouTube workouts and simple exercises like wall sits while brushing her teeth. And yes, two minutes on the wall can work wonders.
2. Half a plate of green:
Sounds simple? It is. Whether it’s peas, carrots or spinach – the main thing is that plants make up 50% of your plate. “It fills you up, makes your body happy and makes you reach for chips less often,” she explains.
3. Sleep – the underestimated queen:
“Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a duty,” Kati emphasizes. Dark rooms, cool temperatures and earplugs are her secret weapons. And for all of those constantly complaining about not getting enough sleep: According to Kati, women are officially allowed to demand more sleep than men. Just give it a try.
What does longevity mean and where does the term come from?
Definition:
Longevity stands for durability and describes the ability to live as long a life as possible in good health and with a high quality of life. It is not just about the number of years, but above all about how these years are lived – vital, independent and active.
Origin:
The term comes from the Latin (“longaevitas”: long life) and was originally used in medicine to describe life expectancy. Today, longevity is often discussed in connection with prevention, biohacking and healthy living – a trend that has been strongly influenced by personalities such as David Sinclair and Brian Johnson.
The truffle pig approach: your health, your pace
“Most people fail because they want everything at once,” says Kati. Her solution? Monthly micro-challenges. A month of yoga? Great. Then a month of more vegetables? Perfect. The trick: only things that are fun stick in the long term. And if you don’t like a challenge? “Then it just ends up in the bin. No drama.”
Why women benefit in particular
“Women spend more time on illness than men,” says Kati. The reason: we often prioritize everything – except ourselves. Yet we need women who are strong, healthy and full of energy. For us. For our families. And yes, for society too. Because, as Kati says: “A world in which women live longer and healthier lives will also be a better world.”
The bottom line: just get started
Longevity is not a sprint, but a marathon. It’s not about following every trend, but about shaping your life step by step so that it not only gets longer, but also better. Or as Kati puts it: “No matter where you start, the most important step is the first one.”
So what are you waiting for? Your future body will thank you.
Longevity in figures - a megatrend that is gaining momentum
- Life expectancy worldwide:
The average life expectancy globally is around 73 years (WHO, 2023). On average, women live 4-5 years longer than men. - The leader in longevity:
Japan holds the record: with a life expectancy of over 84 years, the Japanese are among the oldest people in the world. Thanks to their diet and lifestyle, the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa are particularly well known for their longevity. - The influence of lifestyle:
Studies show that up to 80% of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes could be prevented through diet, exercise and stress reduction.
- Blue Zones:
Regions such as Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica) or Ikaria (Greece) – the so-called “Blue Zones” – are home to a particularly large number of people over the age of 100. Their secret? A plant-based diet, social contact and daily exercise. - Longevity market:
The global market for longevity products and technologies is estimated to be worth around 600 billion dollars by 2030 – a sign of how important the topic is becoming.
About Dr. Kati Ernst
Dr. Kati Ernst is an expert on the megatrend of longevity. She is the host of the Top20 podcast “Lifestyle of Longevity”, in which she shares tips and insights on the trending topic of longevity. Kati is also the founder and managing director of ooia, which empowers women with innovative products. She was honored by the German government as a “Creative Pilot” of the German economy and won the German Startup Award.
