The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Longevity Problem: 70% Of All Deaths Are Caused By Aging - Dr. Andrew Steele

Nov 25, 2025

Dr. Andrew Steele, a longevity scientist and author, discusses the urgent need to address aging as humanity's greatest challenge. He uncovers that two-thirds of all deaths stem from aging and explores groundbreaking science that could extend healthy lifespan. Topics include CRISPR gene therapies, the ethical considerations of radical life extension, and practical lifestyle changes for longevity. Steele also delves into the potential of AI in aging research, emphasizing the societal benefits of adding decades of vitality to human life.

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INSIGHT

Aging Is The Leading Global Killer

More than two-thirds of global deaths are caused by aging-related diseases like cancer, dementia, and heart disease.
Andrew Steele argues aging is the largest humanitarian challenge and deserves comparable attention to climate change.

INSIGHT

Overpopulation Fears Are Manageable

Fears about overpopulation from curing aging are overstated and avoidable with policy and technical solutions.
Steele's modelling shows eliminating age-related deaths by 2025 would raise population only ~16% by 2050, a trade-off he finds acceptable.

ADVICE

Target Aging, Not Just Single Diseases

Prioritizing interventions that slow aging can yield larger gains than curing single diseases.
Targeting aging could improve multiple conditions simultaneously and add far more healthy years than disease-specific cures.

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Longevity scientist Dr. Andrew Steele sits down with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein to make the provocative case that aging should be treated as humanity's greatest challenge, even bigger than climate change. In this deep conversation, they explore why two-thirds of all deaths are caused by aging, the cutting-edge science that's already extending healthy lifespan in animals, and what it would really mean to add decades of vitality to human life. From CRISPR gene therapies to senescent cell clearance, from the ethics of radical life extension to practical steps you can take today, this is an unflinching look at whether we can (and should) slow down aging itself.Timestamps00:00 – Why Aging Is the Biggest Problem We’re Not Solving01:33 – Is Aging Actually Fixable? What the Science Shows04:01 – Overpopulation Myths vs. Longevity Reality09:02 – Can We Slow Aging? What’s Working Now14:39 – Inside the Longevity Divide: Hope vs. Hype18:45 – Healthspan vs. Lifespan: What Really Matters29:12 – Chronic Disease and the True Cost of Aging36:21 – The Most Promising Longevity Therapies Today56:56 – Biological Age Tests: What You Can Actually Trust01:53:17 – The Future of Longevity: AI, Innovation, and What’s NextConnect with Dr. Andrew SteeleWebsite: https://andrewsteele.co.uk/YouTube: / drandrewsteele Instagram: / andrewjsteele Twitter: / statto LinkedIn: / andrewsteele Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/statto.bsky....Mastodon: https://mas.to/@stattoThis video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:https://onebillionmedia.com/DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: / mkaeberlein Linkedin: / optispan Instagram: / optispan_ TikTok: / optispan https://www.optispan.life/