Mark Cofano, 69: A Man With a Longevity Plan

Mark Cofano has embarked on a journey to live a very, very long time. One hundred fifty years to be exact. And Mark isn’t just hoping—he’s a man with a plan.

His journey began at age 65 when many of his friends were retiring. Four years later, he relocated to two different states, lost 75 pounds, and gained 15 pounds of muscle. He’s changed every part of his life to make the possibility of living to 150 more likely. He’s studied human physiology and the science of aging and made life changes he could have never imagined. Mark laughs and tells us he’s deadly serious: “I seriously hope I get to 150 years old, before the deadly part.”

Mark’s plan is detailed, with growing resources and a wild timeline. Some cheer him on. Some are skeptics, of course, and Mark is the first to admit that a 150-year life might not even be possible. Ambitious goals like his are inherently risky. But, even if Mark falls short of achieving his goal, the life changes he has made so far have improved his quality of life. He’s living his best life—happier and healthier than ever!

How old are you, where are you from, and where are you currently based? 
I’m 69 years old, born on September 20, 1955. My family is 100 percent Italian, and I believe that my heritage might contribute to my natural longevity—something I’ve observed in my parents and relatives. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and have lived all over the U.S., primarily on the West Coast, including Southern California, Seattle, the Bay Area, and some time on the East Coast. I also spent a few years in Boise, Idaho, which I thought might be my forever home, but it wasn’t quite the right fit.

I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, four months ago, and I absolutely love it. It feels like coming back to my desert roots and suits me perfectly. Recently, I’ve been working to reclaim my Italian citizenship, which will grant me dual citizenship. This move might open doors to new possibilities about where I could eventually live.

Are you married? Kids?
I’ve been married twice and was in a nearly decade-long relationship, but I’m currently single and open to finding a life partner who shares my vision of a very long, thriving life. This quest is not straightforward, especially since I plan to live to 150—not everyone is on board with such an unconventional outlook.

I became a father later in life, and my 22-year-old son is my greatest accomplishment. He’s a remarkable person, more compassionate and insightful than I could ever hope to be. Depending on how my longevity journey unfolds, I might even consider starting another family. Being a dad has been both challenging and rewarding, and I can see the value in it well beyond traditional timelines.

What is your work and business background?
Describing my career isn’t simple; I’ve worn many hats over nearly five decades. Essentially, I’m a “fixer”—someone called upon to solve business problems or seize opportunities. I’ve developed skills across a broad range of disciplines, including technology, sales, marketing, operations, law, capital development, early-stage companies, and change management. I’m currently involved in investing, advising, and inventing, often stepping in as a CxO for my clients. I’ve held roles as CEO, CIO, CTO, CBO, and CSO, often focusing on technology, which seems to be a constant in my work life.

What changed for you at age 65?
Life took some unexpected turns when I turned 65. I moved out of California, a state I loved but felt I had outgrown due to all the changes since I first lived there in 1958. I ended a decade-long relationship, relocated to Idaho, and quickly realized it wasn’t the right move. Around the same time, my parents began experiencing health issues, prompting me to think deeply about my own mortality. A candid photo taken at a speaking engagement confronted me with the reality of my weight and health—something I hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

These events led me to realize that I was experiencing what many might call a “mid-life crisis”, albeit a bit late in the game. I decided that rather than slow down, I would double down on my efforts to reinvent myself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Is it true you want to live to 150?
Yes, I plan to live to 150, or, as I prefer to say, to “thrive” to 150. This ambition isn’t just about extending my lifespan or health span. It’s about fundamentally reversing the aging process. My interest in longevity comes from several sources: family history, personal health challenges, and the work of brilliant minds in longevity science.

My parents lived exceptionally long lives—my father to 94 and my mother to 93 and a half. They weren’t focused on optimizing their health, but they still reached impressive ages. This made me wonder: What if they had taken better care of themselves? Could they have reached 100 or beyond? Inspired by this thought, I initially set a modest goal for myself: to live healthily into my 100s. But after delving into longevity research and meeting pioneers in the field, my aspirations grew. I decided to aim for 150, partly because so many say it’s impossible, and I love a challenge.

What are your strategies to fulfill this plan?
My approach to longevity defies conventional wisdom. I live my life as though I’m in my late 20s or early 30s, with a focus on vitality, productivity, and constant self-improvement. Rather than slowing down with age, I’m speeding up, leveraging what I call my “secret sauce” to turn back the clock.

My strategy is to live to 90 in outstanding health and then take advantage of transformative therapies that I believe will emerge by then—what I call the “connecting flight”. Just as travelers often need to connect through major hubs to reach distant destinations, I see my path to 150 requiring a connection through groundbreaking advances in medicine that are likely to be available in the coming decades.

To prepare, I’m building what I call personal infrastructure: the financial, social, psychological, and physical foundations needed to make this journey to 150 not just possible but sensible. Longevity is about more than the physical ability to keep going; it involves aligning every aspect of life to support a radically extended lifespan.

What do you expect your life to be like between 100 and 150?
I foresee a future where, at age 100, I’ll feel like a vibrant 40 or 50-year-old. I’m already seeing signs of this transformation; at 69, I can do things I couldn’t at 50, and people often tell me I look and feel better now than I did years ago. I expect this trend to continue, backed by new technologies and therapies that will dramatically alter how we age.

By the time I reach 100, I anticipate even more revolutionary science, perhaps even options to halt or reverse aging completely. These advances will be as transformative as the discovery of antibiotics was to previous generations.

What is powering your interest in the future?
I’ve been fascinated by the future since childhood when I devoured science fiction and imagined space adventures. My professional life has always involved working on the cutting edge, beginning in the early days of mainframe computing and evolving into roles in MedTech, Environmental Tech, and Transhuman Tech. This has led me to invest in these fields and explore how technological innovation can redefine human potential.

My study of the past informs my view of the future. I’ve learned that while the human lifespan has steadily increased over time, exponential change can create unexpected leaps forward. I believe that the next few decades will bring dramatic advancements that could redefine aging and longevity, offering us unprecedented control over our health and lifespan.

What are the scientific breakthroughs that you feel will be needed to make such a leap in lifespan?
To achieve extreme longevity, we’ll need breakthroughs not just in science but also in societal norms, economics, and ethics. From a scientific standpoint, we need to redefine aging and understand its mechanisms better—whether we view it as a disease or as a natural process with built-in limits, like the Hayflick Limit. We’ll also need innovations in organ regeneration, 3D-printed organs, and environmental adjustments that optimize our biology.

Additionally, we must address cognitive decline, one of the most significant barriers to extended life. Currently, dementia rates are alarmingly high among the elderly, and tackling this issue is critical to making extended lifespan meaningful.

Beyond science, the societal implications of extreme longevity are vast. How will we fund longer lives, especially when social systems like pensions weren’t designed with 150-year lifespans in mind? How will careers, education, and family structures evolve? The challenges are complex, but I believe that with foresight and planning, we can create a future where longevity is not just possible but practical.

What is your day-to-day routine?
My day is structured yet flexible, balancing work, health, and personal time. I aim to sleep about six and a half to seven hours a night and start my mornings with stretching, visualization, and a workout. I eat light, clean meals focusing on protein, with a large meal in the late afternoon. My work involves meetings, strategy sessions, and hands-on problem-solving for my clients and investments.

I spend time outdoors, enjoy social activities, and make room for nature and relaxation. I don’t plan to retire, as I believe that engaging in meaningful work is crucial to staying mentally and physically vibrant. Retirement, in my view, is an outdated concept; staying active and purposeful is key to longevity.

What are you eating?
My relationship with food has transformed over the years. I follow a Mediterranean-carnivore diet, focusing on high protein, mostly from animal sources, and eating minimal carbohydrates. I avoid added sugars and alcohol, though I occasionally indulge. I aim for dietary diversity, constantly mixing up my food choices to keep my body well-nourished.

One of my biggest surprises is my improved insulin sensitivity, which has significantly reduced hunger and cravings. I can comfortably fast for 48 to 72 hours with just water, which I see as another tool in my longevity strategy.

What sort of novel therapies are you using now?
My mindset is perhaps my most powerful tool. I believe that a positive, determined attitude can influence physical health in profound ways. Studies support this, showing that people with positive outlooks, especially in long-lived populations, can experience significant longevity benefits. While I use some supplements, my primary focus remains on harnessing the power of my mind to drive my longevity journey.

I am currently exploring new therapies like NAD+ and Rapamycin, which have shown promise in longevity research. Rapamycin, for example, is a drug originally used in organ transplants but has gained attention for its potential anti-aging properties. It works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which is linked to aging and cellular senescence. I’m inspired by pioneers like Peter Diamandis, who advocate for its use in slowing down the biological clock. I haven’t fully committed to a Rapamycin regimen yet, but I’m closely monitoring the research and considering it as a part of my longevity toolkit.

Are you involved in a community of like-minded people who are also pursuing life extension?
Building a community of like-minded individuals interested in extreme longevity has been a challenge, but I’m making progress. I’ve founded a startup called Rhebel, which aims to connect people who share this passion, offering tools like a Longevity Dashboard and a network of top longevity providers.

I welcome skepticism—critics keep me grounded and focused on measurable outcomes. I plan to release a detailed six-year roadmap outlining my goals, strategies, and metrics. My aim is to back up my ambitions with data, proving to both supporters and skeptics alike that extreme longevity is achievable. When I turn 75, I’ll be “halfway Mark”!

What are your three life nonnegotiables?
I live my life as if it actually ends every day, when I put my head on the pillow. The French refer to sleep as the la petite mort (the little death). Actually, to be 100 percent fair, their first definition is that it’s an orgasm. Yay, French people! But a second definition is a loss of consciousness or sleep. To me, it means that each day is precious and that I must do the things that must get done. Tomorrow begins anew. Procrastination is bad and though I still struggle with it, I’m way better. I am at peace when my eyes close, and I fall asleep pretty much instantly!

I do not judge others.  If I do not like their behavior, I try to think about why and be more charitable. If there’s too much friction, I just disengage. I’m not inclined to fight or hold grudges.

I respond to everyone so that I can learn from everyone. Every email, phone call, and text message I receive gets a response. The only exception is when the volume becomes too great, or I’ve made it clear that I don’t wish to communicate to a certain person on certain or all subjects. But really, I do want to communicate and learn every day.

I know you said three nonnegotiables. Sorry, but I have to include a fourth.  I vow to pet every single dog, every single time I can (even when the owners are maybe not 100 percent down with that—LOL). Dogs are the best of us. I want longevity for dogs at least as much as longevity for humans. Sorry kitties, I love you too, but you already have nine lives. Doggos are forever!

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