Nature's Anti-Aging Secrets with Dr. Steve Austad

Nature's Anti-Aging Secrets with Dr. Steve Austad

From The Dan Buettner Podcast by Dan Buettner

February 26, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

Dan Buettner interviews Dr. Steven Austad about the secrets of aging found in nature and their implications for human longevity.

Is the secret to a longer life already hidden in the animal kingdom? In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with world-renowned biologist Dr. Steven Austad to explore how nature has already solved the mysteries of aging. Dr. Austad explains his "nature is smarter" philosophy, detailing how 500-year-old clams and tiny bats that outlive their peers can help us understand our own biological clocks. The conversation dives into the science of why we age, from the way our cells "rust" over time to the surprising reason our tendons change as we get older. You will hear about Dr. Austad’s famous billion-dollar bet that someone alive today will reach the age of 150, and why he believes our maximum lifespan isn't as fixed as we once thought. They also discuss practical takeaways, such as the true impact of your genetics versus your daily habits and what Dr. Austad learned about health while living in the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea. Whether you are a science enthusiast or just looking for a better way to grow old, this episode offers a fascinating new perspective on the future of human longevity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Dan Buettner

Guest: Dr. Steven Austad

Topics covered

  • aging
  • longevity
  • biology
  • health
  • genetics
  • habits

Keywords

  • anti-aging
  • biologist
  • lifespan
  • clams
  • bats
  • genetics
  • health habits

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Papua New Guinea

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