Welcome to Nofinity

In this episode, Rhonda Patrick interviews Dr. Steve Horvath, a pioneering longevity researcher and creator of the Horvath epigenetic clock. They discuss the science behind biological aging, how to measure it, and which lifestyle interventions truly slow the aging process.

Key Takeaways

• Measuring Biological Age: Different epigenetic clocks (Horvath, PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE) track distinct aspects of aging, from mortality risk to pace of aging.
• Lifestyle Interventions:
  • Multivitamins: The COSMOS trial showed that daily multivitamin use slowed brain aging by 2.1 years and episodic memory decline by nearly 5 years.
  • Omega-3: A randomized controlled trial found omega-3 supplementation (1 gram) improved multiple epigenetic clocks.
  • Vitamin D: Supplementation reverses age acceleration in deficient individuals but has no effect in those with sufficient levels.
  • Exercise: Intensive cycling (4.5 hours/week for 6 months) reduced GrimAge by 7.4 months. Moderate walking shows only weak effects.
  • Diet: High vegetable intake (measured by blood carotenoids) correlates strongly with lower epigenetic age – stronger than exercise.
• Weight Loss: Significant weight loss (e.g., from GLP-1 agonists or lifestyle changes) improves all epigenetic clocks, especially in obese individuals.
• Social Connections: Strong family and community ties reduce GrimAge, sometimes more than inflammatory biomarkers.
• Sleep: Sleep disturbances are associated with higher epigenetic age, but detailed sleep-stage effects are still being studied.
• Stress: Short-term psychological stress does not affect epigenetic clocks, but chronic stress (e.g., PTSD, childhood abuse) does.
• Yamanaka Factors: Partial reprogramming can rejuvenate cells, but some damage (e.g., somatic mutations) remains.

Dr. Horvath highlights that combining multiple healthy habits (e.g., omega-3, exercise, social connections) yields the strongest effects. He follows a healthy routine himself: daily exercise, omega-3, multivitamin, vitamin D, plenty of vegetables, and a cooling mattress for better sleep.

Summary follows...

Summary follows...

Summary follows...

Summary follows...

Summary follows...

Why Heating is Getting More Expensive (And What You Can Do About It)

• Gas price increase: The gas price has risen by two and a half times since January 2025.
• Main reason: The conflict in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a quarter of the world's shipped oil and a fifth of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes.
• Global impact: Although Germany is hardly directly affected, global market prices are rising for everyone.
• Gas storage: The targeted fill level of 80% before winter is not expected to be reached.

Important: The average gas price is falling temporarily for existing customers because utilities purchased cheaply and the gas storage levy was dropped. However, new customer tariffs are over a third more expensive. Price increases of 10-20% are expected for existing customers at the turn of the year.

• Network charges: Make up about one-fifth of the gas price and have risen by 10%.
• CO₂ price: Was 55 € per ton in 2025, currently between 55 and 65 € per ton in 2026.

Free & Easy Tips

1. Bleed your radiators: Especially important on upper floors. Air in the system reduces efficiency. Easily done with a radiator key from a hardware store.
2. Ventilate properly: Open windows wide several times a day instead of leaving them tilted constantly. A hygrometer helps monitor humidity and prevent mold.
3. Heat strategically: Every degree you lower the thermostat saves roughly 6% heating energy. Heat rooms according to their use (see recommendations from the German Environment Agency).
4. Circulate the air (with high ceilings): A fan on a low setting distributes warm air more effectively in the room.
5. Close stairwell and apartment doors: Prevents cold drafts and heat loss.

Tips with a Small Budget & Effort

6. Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts (e.g., with a strip of paper) and seal them with draft excluder tape from a hardware store. Savings: approx. 13 € per window per year.
7. Use a low-flow shower head: Reduces hot water consumption (approx. 12% of energy use) and saves money.

Financial & Strategic Tips

8. Secure current prices: If you have your own gas contract, switch to a tariff with a price guarantee to lock in the current rate for a year.
9. Check your utility bill!
   • Deadline: Your landlord must present the bill for 2025 by Dec 31, 2026. If it is late (due to their fault), you don't have to pay the balance.
   • Apportionment: Check if costs are distributed fairly.
   • Disallowed costs: Repair costs, bank charges, or postage cannot be passed on by the landlord.
   • Right to reduce payment: If heating costs are not billed based on consumption, you can reduce your share by 15%.
10. Adjust monthly advance payments: Increase your monthly payments or build a small reserve in a savings account to avoid unexpected large bills.

You are not helpless against the price increases. With the tips mentioned alone, an average of 465 € per year per apartment can be saved. Act now, because your consumption this winter will determine the amount of your additional payment in 2027/2028.

Further Information:

• The full interview with energy economist Malte Küper is available on the Finanzus podcast.
• A detailed guide on checking your utility bill is available in the newsletter.