An Early Advocate for Longevity
Meet Keith Comito, the man whose passion for longevity ignited well before it was trending on social media. As the president and co-founder of Lifespan.io, he was charging up the aging research scene back in 2014, a time when mentioning the word ‘aging’ was akin to confessing your deepest, darkest secret. “We were like the rebels of research,” Comito jokes.
Modeling Success: Lessons from Cancer Advocacy
Taking cues from the pioneering spirit of cancer research advocates, Comito and his crew adopted their grassroots strategies to build Lifespan.io. He recalls, “Those early advocates used telethons to rally support. I thought, why not use the same idea but for aging-related diseases?” The growth of their community has been remarkable, all thanks to using verified news and pioneering fundraising techniques, including the fascinating world of blockchain.
The Power of YouTube and Crowdfunding
In a landmark moment, Comito shared stories about an incredibly popular series of aging videos that dominated YouTube viewership in 2017. With over 14 million views in mere days, he asserts, “It was the ultimate validation that longevity research could step out of the shadows.” By harnessing the immense influence of videos and online engagement, Lifespan.io has bridged gaps that once plagued the aging research field.
Bringing the Metaverse into Longevity
You might know Comito for his tech background, which includes everything from programming to creating amusing apps like a Chuck Norris Joke Generator. Now, he’s dreaming big! With a vision for the metaverse, he’s exploring how virtual worlds can enhance our longevity. “Imagine a future where we not only enjoy gaming but also promote wellness,” he says enthusiastically.
Shaking Up Research with Cryptocurrency
Comito is here to shake things up, particularly in the realm of fundraising. He’s been diving into cryptocurrency’s potential for longevity initiatives. “We’re brainstorming new models of crypto philanthropy — that’s where the future lies,” he explains. With notable supporters like Vitalik Buterin putting money behind longevity projects, there’s a transformative wave ahead. Comito’s hope? A ‘decentralized clinical trial’ that could disrupt traditional research methods, bringing innovation directly to those who need it.
Acknowledging Obstacles but Pushing Forward
Yes, there are bumps in the road, especially regarding perceptions of crypto following the FTX collapse. Still, Comito remains optimistic, asserting, “Every challenge offers a new opportunity to innovate.” The push towards leveraging blockchain in health data management could very well democratize healthcare, allowing individuals to own their wellness journeys.
The Future is Bright
In closing, Comito envisions a world where technology and longevity create paths for healthier, longer-lived humans. With the collective effort of organizations and a community-focused approach to research, the roadmap to living our best life just got a serious upgrade. “Our goal? To be a DAO — a decentralized autonomous organization — of humanity itself. Together, we can tear down barriers and build a vibrant future,” he concludes, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
+ There are no comments
Add yours