Welcome To The 200 Year Life Project Video (Episode 1)

I’m 70. I’m Going to Live to 200. Deal With It.

I’m Gary Leland, I’m 70 years old and I plan on being the first human to reach 200. Welcome to episode 1 of The 200 Year Life Project: This is the Ultimate Longevity Journey.

I know it sounds crazy. 200 years who am I kidding? Well I honestly believe it’s possible and on this episode I will introduce myself, share how I have abused my body, and why even with all the abuse I think I can live to the age of 200. I will also share my data base of what I am doing to reach that goal.

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How Taurine Could Be Your Secret Weapon for a 200-Year Life

This Powerhouse Amino Acid Extends Lifespan And Healthspan

Today, we're spotlighting taurine, a semi-essential amino acid that's exploding in longevity circles. Recent groundbreaking research positions it as a potential driver of healthy aging, with animal studies showing real extensions in lifespan and massive improvements in health markers. Let's unpack why taurine deserves a spot in your protocol.

What Is Taurine and Why Does It Decline with Age?Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid abundant in the body – especially in the brain, heart, muscles, and eyes. Unlike essential amino acids, we synthesize some ourselves, but dietary sources (meat, fish, shellfish, dark poultry) play a big role. Levels peak in youth and often drop significantly with age – in humans, monkeys, and mice, circulating taurine can decline markedly over decades.

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Building Strength for CenturiesThe Farmer’s Carry and Its Longevity Benefits

Building Strength for Centuries

Discover how this simple, full-body exercise can boost grip strength, bone density, and overall resilience to support a longer, healthier life.

As someone passionate about pushing the boundaries of human lifespan through practical, science-backed habits, I'm thrilled to share insights on the 200 Year Life Project blog. We're all about strategies that extend not just years, but vibrant, active ones. Today, let's talk about one of my go-to exercises: the farmer's carry. This underrated move has become a staple in my routine, and for good reason – it's a powerhouse for building functional strength that directly ties into longevity. Whether you're in your prime or looking to age gracefully, incorporating the farmer's carry can help fortify your body against the ravages of time. Let's dive in.

What Is the Farmer's Carry?farmers lift

At its core, the farmer's carry is a straightforward exercise:

you pick up heavy weights in each hand (like dumbbells, kettlebells, or even grocery bags in a pinch) and walk with them while maintaining good posture. It's inspired by the way farmers haul buckets or bales, hence the name. This isn't about speed or reps – it's about controlled, deliberate movement that engages your entire body from head to toe.

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Why I’m Taking Creatine Every Day in My Quest for 200 Years

Creatine Monohydrate Belongs in Every Longevity Toolkit

As a 70-year-old Bitcoin Boomer diving headfirst into the 200 Year Life Project, I'm always on the lookout for simple, evidence-backed tools that can help stack the odds in favor of not just living longer, but thriving with energy, strength, and sharp thinking well into the future. One supplement that's caught my attention lately—and that I'm now incorporating into my routine—is creatine monohydrate.

CreatineYou might think of creatine as something for young gym bros chasing bigger muscles, but the research tells a different story, especially for folks like us in our 60s, 70s, and beyond. It's turning out to be a powerful ally against some of the biggest challenges of aging: muscle loss, declining strength, and even foggy thinking.

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Mastering Full Depth Asian Squats

The Ultimate Functional Movement for Strength, Mobility, and Longevity

Hey everyone, it's me back with a deeper dive into one of my favorite topics for the 200-Year Life Project. At 70+, I'm committed to movements that build real-world strength, preserve mobility, and fight back against age-related decline. Full depth asian squats – going true ass-to-grass, hips below knees, heels flat – have become a staple in my routine. Not those quarter or parallel reps; we're talking the deep, primal position humans evolved for. I've noticed massive improvements: better balance, looser hips, stronger legs, and way less daily stiffness. Today, let's explore the science behind why full depth squats are a powerhouse for health benefits and longevity. I'll break down the evidence, debunk myths, and share how to add them safely.

What Exactly Are Full Depth Asian Squats – And Why Go Deep?

Asian SquatFull depth asian squats (also called deep or ass-to-grass/ATG squats) involve lowering until your hips sink below your knees, often with hamstrings touching calves. This contrasts with partial (quarter) or parallel squats (hips level with knees).

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Why I’m Taking Chromium Picolinate

A Key Player in Metabolic Health for the Long Haul

Hello, fellow pioneers in the quest for a 200-year lifespan! As we dive deeper into 2026, my focus remains on optimizing metabolic health—the foundation of longevity. Stable blood sugar, efficient insulin function, and resilient cellular energy are non-negotiable if we want to thrive for decades, not just survive.One supplement that's been part of my daily stack for years is chromium picolinate. I personally take 200 mcg per day, a conservative dose backed by research as safe and potentially effective for supporting insulin sensitivity.

What Is Chromium Picolinate?Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It enhances the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for shuttling glucose into cells for energy.

Picolinate is a form that binds chromium to picolinic acid, improving absorption compared to other forms. This makes chromium picolinate one of the most bioavailable supplemental options.

While we get small amounts from foods like broccoli, nuts, whole grains, and meats, modern diets and soil depletion often leave many of us suboptimal.

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The One-Legged Stand

Why It's So Hard for Seniors (And How Training It Can Extend Your Healthspan)

Hello, fellow travelers on The 200 Year Life Journey! As we push toward radical longevity in 2026, one of the most underrated yet powerful markers of healthy aging is something incredibly simple: how long you can stand on one leg.

I've been testing this myself lately—eyes open, arms at my sides—and it's humbling. Even for someone committed to strength training and metabolic optimization, balance declines sneakily with age. But the science is clear: poor single-leg balance in midlife and beyond is a red flag for accelerated aging, increased fall risk, and even higher mortality. The good news? We can train it, improve it dramatically, and reap massive benefits for our long-term vitality.

Why Standing on One Leg Gets Harder as We Age

1 legRecent studies, including one from the Mayo Clinic published in PLOS One, show that the ability to balance on one leg—especially the non-dominant leg—declines faster with age than muscle strength, grip, or even walking speed. Researchers tested healthy adults over 50 and found balance showed the steepest drop-off.

Normative data gives us benchmarks (eyes open, no support):

Ages 60–69: Around 22–27 seconds on average
Ages 70–79: Around 14–17 seconds
Ages 80+: Often under 10 seconds

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Boosting NAD+ with NMN Powder

A Game-Changer for Health and Longevity in the 200-Year Life Project

Hey everyone, it's me back with another deep dive for the 200-Year Life Project. We're all chasing that extended healthspan – living not just longer, but stronger, sharper, and full of energy well into our later decades. Lately, I've been obsessed with NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) powder, a direct precursor to NAD+, the molecule that powers our cells and declines dramatically as we age. If you've heard names like David Sinclair dropping NMN in interviews, you know it's a hot topic in longevity circles. I've dug into the latest research, and while it's promising, it's not a magic pill. Let's unpack the science on its health benefits and potential for pushing us toward that 200-year goal.

What Is NMN and Why Does It Matter?

NMNNMN is a naturally occurring compound that your body converts into NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for energy production, DNA repair, and regulating aging processes. NAD+ levels drop by about 50% by middle age, contributing to fatigue, metabolic issues, and age-related decline.

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Ditching Cushioned Shoes for Barefoot Minimalists

A Game-Changer for Foot Health and Longevity in the 200-Year Life Project

Hey everyone, it's me back with another deep dive for the 200-Year Life Project. As a 70+ guy chasing that first 200-year lifespan, I'm all about foundational habits that keep my body functional and resilient. Lately, I've switched a lot of my daily walking and even some training to barefoot shoes (also called minimalist shoes). These are the thin-soled, wide toe box, zero-drop kicks that mimic going barefoot while protecting your soles. I've noticed stronger feet, better balance, and less lower body stiffness – huge wins when you're stacking protocols like full depth squats, NMN, and Vitamin D3. But are they backed by science? I've researched the latest studies (up to late 2025), and while they're not for everyone overnight, the health benefits for foot strength, posture, and longevity are compelling. Let's break it down.

What Are Barefoot Shoes, Anyway?

Barefoot ShoesBarefoot or minimalist shoes have key features: a wide toe box for natural splay, zero heel-to-toe drop (flat like barefoot), thin flexible soles for ground feel, and no arch support or heavy cushioning. Popular brands include Vivobarefoot. They're the opposite of traditional cushioned runners with elevated heels and narrow boxes.

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Vitamin D3

The Sunshine Vitamin's Role in Health and Longevity for the 200-Year Life Project

Hey everyone, it's me here with another installment in the 200-Year Life Project. We're all about stacking the odds in favor of not just living longer, but thriving with energy, sharp minds, and strong bodies deep into our centuries. Today, I'm shining a light on Vitamin D3 – often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our skin makes it from UVB rays. But as we age, production drops, and deficiency becomes rampant. I've been diving into the latest research (up to late 2025), and the evidence is compelling: optimizing Vitamin D3 levels could be a cornerstone for healthier aging and potentially extending our healthspan.

Why Vitamin D3 Matters More as We Age

D3Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form our body produces naturally and the one most supplements use – it's more effective at raising blood levels than D2. It acts like a hormone, regulating over 1,000 genes involved in immunity, inflammation, cell growth, and more.

Deficiency is shockingly common, especially in older adults: skin synthesis drops by about 50% by age 70, plus less time outdoors, thinner skin, and reduced kidney/liver efficiency in converting it to active forms. Levels below 20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L) are linked to accelerated aging hallmarks like inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and telomere shortening.

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Welcoming 2026

My Goals for The 200 Year Life Project

Happy New Year, fellow pioneers on the path to a radically extended lifespan! As we step into 2026 on this January 1st, I'm filled with excitement and determination. The longevity field is accelerating, and the breakthroughs from 2025 have only strengthened my conviction that a 200-year life—full of vitality—is not just possible, but within our grasp if we act decisively now.

Last year delivered powerful reminders: robust evidence for vitamin D protecting telomeres, mitochondrial interventions extending lifespan in models, strength training emerging as a cornerstone of healthspan, and creative pursuits preserving cognitive sharpness. These aren't distant promises—they're tools we can use today.

This blog, now evolving into The 200 Year Life Project, is my platform for sharing the most practical, evidence-based strategies to maximize our healthy years. It's about turning cutting-edge science into daily habits so we can thrive for centuries, not decades.

As I look back on 2025, I'm proud of the progress made, but I'm even more energized for what's ahead.

2026

My Personal Goals for 2026

This year, I'm committing to sustainable, high-impact practices that directly extend healthspan. Here's my plan:

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Boosting Nitric Oxide with CardioSmile Toothpaste:

A Fluoride-Free Path to Better Oral Health and Longevity in the 200-Year Life Project

Hey everyone, it's me diving into another tool for the longevity toolkit in the 200-Year Life Project. If you've been following my journey, you know I'm all about stacking habits and products that support vibrant health well into the triple digits. Today, I'm excited to talk about CardioSmile Nitric Oxide Boosting Toothpaste – a game-changer I've recently added to my morning routine. This isn't your average toothpaste; it's designed to enhance nitric oxide production right in your mouth, while ditching fluoride and other toxins. I'll break down the health benefits, why skipping fluoride is a smart move (and what's sketchy about it), the powerhouse role of nitric oxide, and how this ties into our quest for a 200-year life. Let's get into it!

What Is CardioSmile Nitric Oxide Boosting Toothpaste?

Cardiosmile

CardioSmile is a innovative, fluoride-free toothpaste formulated to support your body's natural nitric oxide production starting from the oral cavity. It's packed with ingredients that promote Nitric Oxide levels, which in turn boost circulation to your gums and overall oral health. Unlike traditional pastes loaded with chemicals, this one focuses on remineralizing enamel, enhancing gum health, freshening breath, and nurturing your mouth's microbiome – all without harsh additives. Developed by experts in nitric oxide research, it's aimed at improving not just your smile, but your systemic wellness through better blood flow and reduced inflammation in the gums.
I've been using it for a bit, and my gums feel healthier, with less sensitivity – a win for someone like me optimizing every aspect of aging.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Resveratrol:

A Path to Healthier, Longer Living in the 200-Year Life Project

Hey everyone, it's me diving into another fascinating topic for the 200-Year Life Project. If you've been following along, you know I'm all about exploring science-backed ways to extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan – that vibrant, disease-free period where we can truly thrive. Today, I'm excited to talk about resveratrol, a compound that's been buzzing in the anti-aging world for years. I've been researching this one because it pops up everywhere from red wine to supplements, promising everything from heart protection to potentially adding years to our lives. Let's break it down, based on what the studies say, and see how it fits into our quest for a 200-year life.

What Exactly Is Resveratrol?

ResveratrolResveratrol is a natural polyphenol, basically a type of antioxidant produced by plants to protect themselves from stress like UV rays or infections. We humans get it mostly from foods like red grapes (and yes, red wine), berries, peanuts, and even dark chocolate. It's been studied since the 1990s, but it really hit the spotlight when researchers linked it to the “French Paradox” – how the French eat rich foods but have lower heart disease rates, possibly thanks to their wine habits. In supplement form, it's often extracted from Japanese knotweed, and doses can range from 100mg to way higher in clinical trials.

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Funding the 200-Year Dream

How Bitcoin Could Sustain a Life of Longevity Without Endless Work

Hey everyone, it's me, Gary Leland, back with another post for the 200-Year Life Project. If you've been following my journey on GaryLeland.com/data, you know I'm a 70-year-old Bitcoin enthusiast and podcaster dead set on becoming the first person to live to 200. I'm tracking my morning protocols, biohacks, and everything from cod liver oil to sunrise watching to optimize my healthspan. But recently, my daughter hit me with a killer question that stopped me in my tracks: “Dad, if you actually pull this off and live to 200, how are you going to afford it? Are you going to have to work forever?” It's a fair point – extending life means extending expenses, from healthcare to daily living. Today, I want to address that head-on, tying it into my deep-rooted belief in Bitcoin as the ultimate financial longevity tool. No, I don't plan on grinding away at work for the next 130 years. Here's why Bitcoin's growth could cover my needs and let me focus on thriving, not surviving.

The Reality of a 200-Year Life: What Does It Cost?

bitcoin-typewriterFirst, let's get real about the numbers. Living to 200 isn't just about beating aging – it's about funding a marathon existence. At my age, I'm already retired, but extending that to 2155 (yep, that's when I'd hit 200) means covering inflation, medical breakthroughs, housing, food, and maybe even some fun like attending BitBlockBoom conferences well into the 22nd century.

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Relaxation in a Capsule

Why Magnesium Glycinate Is My Go-To for Better Sleep and Longevity

At 70 years old, on my determined path to live to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, sleep optimization is a top priority—it's when growth hormone peaks, cells repair, and the brain clears toxins. That's why Magnesium Glycinate is a standout in my evening stack. This highly bioavailable form of magnesium (bound to glycine) not only calms the nervous system but delivers deep, restorative sleep without the laxative side effects of cheaper forms like oxide.

Why Magnesium Glycinate? The Superior Form

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, but many forms have poor absorption or GI upset. Glycinate shines: High bioavailability, gentle on the stomach, and the glycine component adds its own sleep-promoting benefits (like my separate glycine dose).

Standout Sleep Benefits

Magnesium deficiency is rampant (up to 50% of people) and linked to insomnia. Glycinate helps by:

Regulating Neurotransmitters: Boosts GABA (calming) and reduces excitatory NMDA activity for quieter mind chatter.

Muscle and Nerve Relaxation: Eases cramps, tension, and restless legs—common sleep disruptors in seniors.

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Steps to Centuries

Why I Walk 3 Miles a Day (2 Casual Miles + 1 After Dinner)

At 70 years old, charging toward my wild goal of living to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, movement is medicine. One of my simplest, most consistent habits is walking—a casual 2-mile walk every day (usually mid-morning or whenever fits) and a relaxed 1-mile stroll after dinner. That's about 3 miles total, low-impact and enjoyable. No rushing, just steady steps outdoors. Science shows even modest daily walking like this slashes mortality risk, boosts heart health, stabilizes blood sugar, and adds healthy years—perfect for radical longevity.

Overall Benefits of Walking 2-3 Miles a Day for Longevity

Walking just 2 miles daily (around 4,000-5,000 steps) meets or exceeds guidelines for reducing chronic disease risk.

walking Studies link it to:

Lower All-Cause Mortality: Even 4,400 steps/day cuts premature death risk by 41%; benefits plateau around 7,500 steps.

Heart Health: Reduces CVD risk by 20-40%, lowers blood pressure/cholesterol, improves circulation.

Metabolic Boost: Better insulin sensitivity, lower diabetes risk.

Brain and Mood: Enhances cognition, reduces dementia/depression risk, boosts BDNF.

Bone/Joint Strength: Prevents sarcopenia/osteoarthritis, supports weight management.

Longer Healthspan: Blue Zones and large cohorts show walkers live healthier longer.

My 3 miles? It's compounding these gains without strain—sustainable for decades.

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Sweet Dreams and Longer Life

Why Glycine Is a Game-Changer for Sleep and Longevity

At 70 years old, pushing toward my outrageous goal of living to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, sleep is the foundation of everything—repair, recovery, and resilience. That's why glycine, the simplest amino acid, has earned a permanent spot in my evening routine. I take a solid dose before bed for its remarkable ability to deepen sleep, calm the mind, and even support anti-aging pathways. Glycine isn't flashy, but the science is stacking up: better rest tonight, healthier years ahead.

What Is Glycine and How Does It Work?

GlycineGlycine is a non-essential amino acid—your body makes some, but we often don't get enough from diet alone (rich in collagen/bone broth). It's inhibitory in the brain, acting like GABA to promote calm, and uniquely lowers core body temperature—a key sleep trigger.

The Standout Benefit: Superior Sleep Support

Human trials are impressive: 3 grams of glycine before bed shortens time to fall asleep, enhances sleep quality, reduces daytime fatigue, and improves cognitive performance the next day. It increases serotonin (melatonin precursor), promotes deeper slow-wave sleep, and cools the body via vasodilation—mimicking the natural pre-sleep drop.

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Calm Mind, Better Sleep

Why L-Theanine Is Part of My Longevity Stack

At 70 years old, on my quest to live to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, quality sleep is everything—it's when the body repairs, clears toxins, and recharges for another day of optimization. That's why L-Theanine (note: it's L-Theanine, not L-Thiamine—Thiamine is vitamin B1) is in my daily protocol. This amino acid from green tea promotes deep relaxation without drowsiness, helps me fall asleep faster, and improves overall sleep quality. It's a natural nootropic that calms the mind while supporting brain health and even longevity pathways.

What Is L-Theanine and How Does It Work?

L-TheanineL-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves (especially green tea). It crosses the blood-brain barrier and influences neurotransmitters: boosting GABA, serotonin, and dopamine for calm, while increasing alpha brain waves—the relaxed, alert state like meditation.

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Dawn of a New Day

Why I Watch the Sunrise Every Morning to Optimize My Circadian Rhythm

At 70 years old, charging toward my goal of living to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, I've learned that the most powerful longevity hacks are often the simplest—and free. One of my absolute favorites is stepping outside to watch the sunrise every single morning. No matter the weather, I make it a non-negotiable ritual: coffee in hand, eyes on the horizon as the sun crests. This isn't just poetic; it's a science-backed way to anchor my circadian rhythm, boost mood, regulate hormones, and set up deeper sleep and sustained energy for the day.

The Science: Sunrise Light Resets Your Internal Clock

sunriseYour circadian rhythm—the 24-hour internal clock governing sleep, hormones, metabolism, and repair—is primarily set by light exposure. Morning sunlight, especially the mix of red/orange wavelengths at dawn and the blue light spike as the sun rises, signals your suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain that it's daytime.

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Green Powerhouse for Longevity

Why I Take Chlorella Every Day

At 70 years old, pushing toward my goal of living to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, detoxification and antioxidant protection are non-negotiable. That's why Chlorella (specifically broken-cell wall for better absorption) is a key part of my daily protocol—I take about 1,230 mg (3 capsules) for its incredible ability to bind toxins, fight oxidative stress, and support cellular health. This nutrient-dense green microalgae isn't just a supplement; it's a longevity ally backed by growing science for heavy metal detox, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging effects.

ChlorellaWhat Makes Chlorella a Superfood?

Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater algae packed with chlorophyll (the highest of any plant), proteins, vitamins (including B12 and D2 rare in plants), minerals, carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene), and unique compounds like Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). Its “broken cell wall” form ensures better nutrient absorption.

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