At the Paracelsus-Recovery clinic on the dreamy shores of Lake Zurich, celebrities, heads of state and business leaders come to be treated for addictions and mental health crises. But the exclusive facility – which costs £100k-a-week – also offers longevity programs.
During my interview with the founder, Jan Gerber, I asked him what he has distilled from these experts and what the secrets to longevity really are. After all, he employs some of the most eminent clinicians in Europe. Here lay the answers.
Jan found the question refreshingly easy to answer: “The biggest indicator at 60 of whether you will still be alive at 80 is whether you are in a healthy relationship,” he says. “Couples tend to look after each other and themselves more and to make healthier lifestyle choices due to the motivation that being in a partnership can provide. Loneliness is the biggest killer.”
He points out that according to the US Surgeon General, loneliness has the same impact on health as smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.
Jan Gerber set up his clinic for the super-rich following business school in the USA and a Masters at the London School of Economics. The son of a psychiatrist and a senior nurse, he was versed from an early age in health matters. So how else can we slow the ageing process?
Jan is emphatic. “Eighty per cent of all premature death can be avoided through lifestyle measures, and the good thing is that it is never too late to begin.” He cites a Danish study from 2021 on men with an average age of 62 who were entirely sedentary at the start of the research project. Half of them were put on a 12-week exercise regime; the others were not. The exercising group significantly improved their health.
“One of the hallmarks of ageing is chronic low-grade inflammation,” explains Jan. “Even if you start exercise later in life, in your sixties or beyond, you can make a difference to this. It is definitely better to do something rather than nothing.” He advises 150 minutes per week of cardiovascular exercise – this can include activities like moderate gardening.
“Also, if you do strength training – such as sit ups or squats – twice a week you can make a good improvement.”
He suggests walking while on a video call or standing up rather than sitting on a chair. Walking up stairs, rather than taking a lift, or investing in a treadmill desk or standing desk.
“Ideally for good health you want to be taking a minimum of 15,000 steps a day. This is also likely to reduce back pain and stop you gaining weight.
“Being in nature and increasing daily activity are both beneficial.”
When it comes to diet, he endorses the “classic/traditional Mediterranean diet”.
“You want to be eating vegetable oils and no animal fats. Fish is good and an Omega 3 supplement is useful as most people benefit from more than their diet offers.
“Cut out process fats, and eat fresh, and that includes vegetables. Choose extra virgin oil – studies show it is very beneficial. And be mindful of sugars. There is sugar, not only in chocolate and candy bars, but also in white bread. Choose less processed whole grain instead.”
What is interesting is how commonsensical Jan’s suggestions are. While clients are paying £100k a week to hear these pearls of wisdom, remember you read about it in the Daily Express online for free.