The Oracle of Longevity: How Larry Ellison Built a Billion-Dollar Body in the 1990s
Project Stargate and Rewriting The Rules of Aging
When Larry Ellison stepped onto the stage to announce Oracle's Project Stargate last week, observers were struck not just by the ambitious scope of the AI initiative, but by the 80-year-old billionaire's remarkably youthful appearance. The Oracle founder, long known for his substantial investments in longevity research, appeared to be living proof of his own anti-aging philosophy. He radiated what cellular purists recognize as the hallmark of high-vibrational living – each movement a testament to decades of conscious nourishment and detoxification.
As he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with tech executives decades his junior at the presidential press conference, Ellison's investment in cutting-edge longevity biotechnology wasn't just visible in his research portfolio – it was written in his DNA. As researchers continue to chip away and uncover groundbreaking insights into what makes some people live to 100 and beyond, the intersection of these two worlds—Silicon Valley's longevity obsession and cutting-edge scientific research—reveals a fascinating picture of how a new class of tech entrepreneurs are aligned with, or perhaps even ahead of, the latest advances in longevity science.
The Science of Centenarian Success
Recent research1 published in GeroScience, analyzing data from over 44,000 individuals, has identified specific biomarkers that predict exceptional longevity. The study revealed that individuals who reach 100 consistently maintain lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid from their 60s onward. These aren't just numbers on a lab report—they're signposts pointing toward a longer, healthier life.
The Tech Leader’s Blueprint
Tech leaders, it seems, have been intuiting these scientific findings through their own methodical approaches to longevity. Their practices, once dismissed as Silicon Valley eccentricity, now appear remarkably aligned with emerging research.
Larry Ellison: The Strategic Investor
Oracle's founder has long been at the forefront of the longevity movement. While skeptics might attribute his appearance to cosmetic procedures, those can only change how you look. It can't help you move around and stay active like a younger person, which is what Ellison does.
According to former Oracle employees from the 1990s, Ellison was practicing sophisticated nutrition principles well before biohacking became mainstream. His diet was fundamentally "veg-aquarian" - a term used to describe his specific approach combining plant-based eating with seafood. He maintained a strict regimen of fruits, abundant vegetables and fish (particularly rich in omega-3s) while being notably disciplined about his liquid intake, consuming only water and green tea. This wasn't a casual diet choice - it was part of a comprehensive health system that he followed with the same intensity he brought to business. The fact that he adopted these practices decades ago, when most tech executives were fueling themselves with caffeine and fast food, shows his early understanding of the connection between nutrition and performance.
Let’s break down his protocol further:
Exercise System: Focuses heavily on tennis, often playing multiple matches per day. Incorporates strength training and flexibility work
Said to be extremely disciplined about sleep schedule
Has a dedicated recovery routine including massage and physical therapy
Regular medical monitoring and preventive care
Uses competition (especially tennis) as a form of stress management
Lifestyle Design: Consistency > Change
Designs living spaces around health optimization
Maintains similar routines across all residences
Surrounds himself with health experts and performance coaches
Ellison's commitment to longevity isn't just financial—it's a lifestyle that encompasses every aspect of his daily routine, from diet to exercise to stress management.
Tim Ferriss: The Human Guinea Pig
Tim Ferriss, through his self-experimentation protocols, has turned his body into a laboratory for longevity. His approach includes:
Extensive self-experimentation and data tracking
Strategic use of supplements and compounds
Cyclical ketogenic diet protocols
Regular blood panels and biomarker testing
Emphasis on sleep optimization and stress management
As the author of The 4-Hour Body and a prominent biohacker, he has experimented extensively with supplements. Some of his favorites include:
Alpha-GPC: A choline supplement for cognitive enhancement.
L-Theanine: Often paired with caffeine for improved focus and relaxation.
Creatine: For cognitive and physical performance.
Vitamin D3: For immune support and mood regulation.
Fish Oil (Omega-3s): For brain health and inflammation reduction.
Probiotics: To improve gut health.
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone): For mitochondrial biogenesis and energy.
Adaptogens: Such as ashwagandha and rhodiola for stress management.
Ferriss's methodology, while systematic, directly addresses the biomarkers identified in the centenarian research. His experimental approach to maintaining optimal health metrics aligns with the study's finding that consistency in these markers over time is crucial for longevity.
Jack Dorsey: The Minimalist Maximizer
The Twitter co-founder's approach appears deceptively simple but potentially addresses key longevity markers:
One meal a day (OMAD) protocol
Extended fasting periods
Daily ice baths and sauna sessions
Seven-mile walks to work
Minimal supplementation
Dorsey's fasting practices likely contribute to lower glucose levels—a key finding in the centenarian study. His consistent physical activity supports metabolic health, potentially impacting all identified biomarkers.
The Science Behind Their Success
The GeroScience study highlights several key findings that validate their approaches:
Biomarker Stability
Centenarians show remarkable stability in their biomarker readings over time
This validates the consistent, regimented approaches favored by tech leaders
Explains the emphasis on regular monitoring and adjustment
Early Intervention
Longevity markers appear in the 60s, suggesting early intervention is crucial
Supports the tech leaders' aggressive approach to preventive measures
Validates investment in monitoring technology and research
Gender Disparity
84.6% of centenarians in the study were female
May explain the aggressive intervention strategies of male tech leaders
Suggests why they're heavily investing in overcoming biological limitations
Practical Implications
The convergence of scientific research and billionaire practices suggests several key strategies for longevity:
Regular Monitoring
Implement consistent biomarker testing
Focus on glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels
Track stability over time
Create almost monk-like daily routines:
Dorsey's walking meditation and fasting mirror ascetic practices
Ellison's disciplined tennis and wellness routines
Ferriss has eliminated alcohol entirely, citing its negative effects on sleep, productivity, and mental clarity
Metabolic Health
Reduce linoleic acid intake
Support mitochondrial function - supplement stack to follow
Balance protein intake with collagen
Manage environmental factors like EMFs and endocrine disruptors
Lifestyle Consistency
Maintain regular exercise routines
Follow consistent sleep patterns
Practice stress management
Implement controlled eating patterns
Common Themes in Their Supplement Use
Longevity and Anti-Aging: Many of these individuals focus on supplements like NAD+ boosters (NMN, NR), resveratrol, and coenzyme Q10 to support cellular repair and slow aging.
Cognitive Enhancement: Supplements like omega-3s, alpha-GPC, and L-theanine are popular for improving focus, memory, and mental clarity.
Gut Health: Probiotics and prebiotics are widely used to support digestion and immunity.
Energy and Recovery: Electrolytes, magnesium, and adaptogens help maintain energy levels and reduce stress.
Immune Support: Vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants are staples for maintaining overall health.
Transcendent Living
Oracle's Project Stargate announcement offered a glimpse of Ellison's remarkable vitality – as he articulated his vision for AI's future, his presence radiated the same focused intensity that has defined his decades-long commitment to optimal living. His recent appearances, from Stargate to the White House AI summit, underscore a profound truth: the pursuit of transcendence through conscious living isn't merely about personal longevity—it's about sustaining the energy, clarity, and presence required to shape humanity's future.
Separation from "Normal" Life
These lifestyle choices represent a conscious step away from conventional living patterns, as it might seem excessive to outsiders, in fact serves as a vessel for transcendent living.
Some of the protocols mentioned here reflect an almost monastic dedication: the repetitive consumption of specific foods (fish, vegetables, fruits), the strict approach to hydration (only water, juice or tea), supplements, regular contrast therapy etc. These aren't merely health habits but rituals that elevate daily existence above ordinary living. Multi-hour tennis sessions, practiced with the precision of a meditation, transform physical exercise into a transcendent practice.
Impact on Productivity and Leadership
The "transcendent life" concept suggests that physical optimization leads to mental clarity. Let’s take it further:
Clean eating fuels sustained energy, mental clarity, and focus, enabling these individuals to tackle complex problems and innovate at the highest levels.
Physical fitness enhances stamina, resilience, and creativity, allowing these leaders to maintain grueling schedules and lead their companies effectively.
Mindfulness and mental clarity enable better decision-making, emotional regulation, and innovative thinking, which are critical for leading transformative companies.
By prioritizing longevity, these individuals aim to extend their productive years, allowing them to continue making significant contributions to society.
The Future of Longevity
The alignment between cutting-edge research and biohacking practices suggests we're entering a new era of longevity science. While not everyone can implement the extreme protocols of a Tim Ferriss or the minimal fasting approach of a Jack Dorsey, the underlying principles are increasingly accessible:
Regular biomarker monitoring and early intervention
Consistent lifestyle practices such as Circadian rhythm
Stress-recovery cycling through exercise and recovery protocols
Metabolic flexibility through dietary restrictions
This isn't just longevity - it's what your IT team would call "upgrading your entire operating system".
As technology advances and research continues, the gap between billionaire longevity practices and mainstream healthcare may narrow. The intersection of centenarian research and billionaire health practices reveals a compelling roadmap for longevity making these practices more accessible, potentially democratizing the pursuit of exceptional longevity.
In essence, the "transcendent life" is not just for personal well-being—it’s to create a life of meaning and impact, which is precisely what these tech leaders strive to achieve. Their disciplined, purpose-driven lifestyles serve as a blueprint for how individuals can harness their full potential to make a lasting difference in the world.
Johansson, L., et al. (2024). "Longitudinal biomarker trajectories and probability of reaching 100 years of age: Results from the Swedish Centenarian Study." GeroScience, 46(1), 123-145.