Adam Savage Explores Life Hacks and Longevity: "There's No Magic Secret"

Adam Savage, the former "MythBusters" star, is diving headfirst into the science of living longer, investigating how sleep, stress, and lifestyle choices play their part in the puzzle of longevity. Now the head of YouTube channel Tested, Savage has partnered with Medtronic, a health tech company, to explore this fascinating topic.

"Longevity has always been a fascination for me," Savage shared in an exclusive interview. "Who doesn’t want to live better and maybe even longer? But the real question is: What actually works?"

Savage credits his time on "MythBusters" for sparking his passion for scientific exploration. "Making that show legitimized science and engineering for me," he said. "It showed me how much of life can be tested, questioned, and improved through experimentation."

While chatting with everyday folks for Medtronic, Savage uncovered intriguing shifts in how people perceive 'old age.' "We’re staying 'young-ish' for longer," he remarked, highlighting a cultural evolution. He also questioned the magic behind Blue Zones—regions famed for their long-living residents. "Is it the location or their habits? That’s the part that fascinates me," he mused.

Savage has taken his curiosity to heart, incorporating longevity strategies into his own life. Intermittent fasting, for instance, helped him shed 25 pounds, eliminate sleep apnea, and elevate his overall well-being. "It felt like flipping a switch on my health," he said. He also candidly reflected on his journey to quit smoking, saying, "I realized I wasn’t smoking for enjoyment—it was just a habit. That realization made quitting easy."

On alcohol, Savage dismissed the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach. While he personally cut back, he encouraged self-compassion: "We all have our ways to relax, but alcohol might not be the best option in the end."

Beyond personal habits, Savage emphasized the game-changing role of medical advancements in extending both lifespan and 'healthspan'—the years lived without serious illness. Medtronic’s innovations, from AI-driven healthcare monitoring to robotic-assisted surgeries, aim to enhance not just how long we live but how well.

The company even speculates that the first person to live to 150 may already walk among us. Savage finds the idea compelling yet realistic, saying, "Forty years ago, 150 would’ve sounded absurd. Today it feels within reach. By 2040, we may have a whole new cultural perspective on aging."

Ultimately, Savage’s exploration of longevity is less about chasing immortality and more about crafting a meaningful, vibrant life. "There’s no magic secret," he concluded. "It’s about daily habits—how you eat, move, connect with others, and handle stress. All those things add up."