Building a Blueprint for Longer Lives Through Public Policy

In this episode of Longevity by Design, our host, Dr. Gil Blander, sits down with Dylan Livingston, CEO at the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, and Dr. Brenda Eap to explore how public policy shapes the future of aging research. Dylan and Brendan share how their team pushes for legislation that supports healthy lifespan extension, aiming to bring longevity science into the center of national health priorities. Dylan and Brendan explain why policy advocacy is crucial for securing funding for research, reducing regulatory hurdles, and establishing a clear path for new therapies. They outline recent successes, including building bipartisan support in Congress and expanding access to experimental treatments in states such as Montana. Throughout their discussion, Dylan shows how effective communication, using stories and simple analogies, helps move longevity from the lab to lawmakers’ agendas. The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Dylan highlights the power of community, clear communication, and grassroots action as tools that help turn advanced science into real-world health gains. Episode highlights: [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:01:00]: Overview of Longevity Policy and Research Funding [00:02:00]: Backgrounds and Personal Journeys into Longevity Advocacy [00:05:00]: Inspiration and Founding of Longevity Policy Organization [00:07:00]: Scientific Training and Motivation for Policy Work [00:09:00]: Mission and Approach of Longevity Advocacy Organization [00:10:00]: Policy Advocacy’s Role in Advancing Longevity Research [00:12:00]: Gaps in Funding and the Importance of Government Engagement [00:13:00]: Experiences with Policy Events and Realizations about Advocacy [00:14:00]: Early Accomplishments and Congressional Engagement [00:15:00]: Building Bipartisan Support and the Longevity Science Caucus [00:16:00]: Legislative Engagement and Policy Paper Development [00:17:00]: State-Level Policy Wins and Expansion of Right to Try Laws [00:19:00]: Rationale and Strategy for State-Level Focus [00:21:00]: Plans for Geographic Expansion of Longevity Policy Initiatives [00:23:00]: Political Climate and Opportunities with the Current Administration [00:25:00]: Shifts in Federal Attitudes Toward Longevity and Healthspan [00:27:00]: Demographics, Policy Momentum, and National Health Priorities [00:29:00]: Prevention Versus Treatment: Shifting Policy Mindsets [00:32:00]: Communicating Policy Opportunities to a Wider Audience [00:34:00]: Ensuring Longevity Policy Remains Bipartisan [00:35:00]: Intersection of Policy, Science, and Public Engagement [00:37:00]: Funding and Regulatory Challenges in Longevity Research [00:39:00]: Barriers in Clinical Trials and Policy Modernization [00:40:00]: Strategies for Communicating Longevity Science to Policymakers [00:44:00]: Framing Longevity for Policy Impact and Public Understanding [00:48:00]: Future Vision and Milestones for Longevity Policy [00:51:00]: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Longevity Advocacy [00:55:00]: Practical Longevity Advice and Episode Conclusion We Appreciate You! As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcast For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast