Elon Musk has suggested that overcoming human death through advancements in longevity research is not only possible but also an “extremely solvable problem.” Speaking on the Moonshots podcast with host Peter Diamandis on January 6, 2024, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO argued that the human body’s synchronized ageing process presents a clear biological mechanism that could be unlocked. Musk stated, “I’ve long thought that longevity or semi-mortality is an extremely solvable problem. I don’t think it’s a particularly hard problem.”
This declaration marks a significant departure from Musk’s previous views. In 2022, he expressed skepticism about the pursuit of radical longevity technologies, warning that such efforts could lead to societal stagnation. At the time, he noted, “Most people don’t change their mind. They just die. So if they don’t die, we will be stuck with old ideas, and society wouldn’t advance.” His recent comments suggest a newfound optimism, potentially reflecting growing confidence in the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.
During the podcast, Musk revealed his recent experience with an MRI scan that he uploaded to Grok, his AI company’s platform, as part of a personal experiment in AI-assisted medical analysis. Neither Grok nor his medical professionals indicated any concerning results from the scan. This willingness to utilize his own health data through AI underscores Musk’s commitment to exploring technological applications in understanding human biology.
The discussion turned towards collaboration with Fountain Life, a longevity company co-founded by Diamandis. He explained that their approach involves comprehensive health monitoring, including a “200-gigabyte upload” of an individual’s data encompassing their genome and medical imaging.
Musk’s shift in perspective has sparked discussions within the scientific community. Dr. João Pedro de Magalhães, Chair of Molecular Biogerontology at the University of Birmingham, calculated that curing ageing and age-related diseases could extend the average human lifespan to 1,200 years. His estimates rely on an initial mortality rate of 0.0005 deaths per 100,000 people annually in industrialized nations, considering only accidents and non-age-related causes as threats to life.
Musk’s assertions find support in examples from nature. Bowhead whales can live for over 200 years with remarkably low cancer rates, while Greenland sharks are known to reach lifespans of 400 to 500 years, attributed to their slow metabolism and robust antioxidant systems. Research published in December 2025 demonstrated that scientists had engineered mice with enhanced mitochondrial proteins, leading to longer lifespans, improved metabolism, and reduced inflammation. The study noted that these modifications allowed cells to produce more energy while decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with ageing.
Aubrey de Grey, founder of the SENS Research Foundation, has long championed the concept of “engineered negligible senescence,” targeting various forms of cellular damage. He has argued against the term “anti-aging,” advocating instead for a more balanced perspective on a natural process.
Musk’s renewed enthusiasm for longevity research aligns him with other tech billionaires investing heavily in anti-ageing science. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has backed Altos Labs, a start-up focused on revitalizing cells, while Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin established Calico Labs to investigate the causes of ageing. Meanwhile, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Oracle’s Larry Ellison have each contributed millions to research aimed at extending lifespan.
Despite the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, bioethicists have raised concerns about the implications of such investments. Christopher Wareham, a bioethicist, warned that advancements in longevity could exacerbate existing inequalities, stating, “Suppose, for example, we had a kind of vaccine for the pandemic of age. This is going to potentially exacerbate all the kinds of existing inequalities that we have.”
Musk’s public endorsement of longevity research could lead to increased funding and focus on anti-ageing science. As the convergence of AI, genetic engineering, and biotechnology continues, Musk’s optimism may reshape societal perspectives on the age-old issue of human mortality. Whether his assertions will prove accurate remains uncertain, but the dialogue surrounding longevity is gaining momentum in both scientific and public spheres.
