Aging Is a Disease — What If We Could Cure It?

Published on November 21, 2025 · Duration 01:32:36

Ever wondered if aging isn’t an inevitable decline, but rather a treatable condition? If that thought has ever tickled your brain (and let’s be honest, whose hasn’t?), then you absolutely need to tune into the latest episode of “Bootstrapped for Cash” from Sealambda. Co-hosts Giorgio Azzinnaro and Iván Peña sit down with the incredible Ildikó Sirman, CEO of the longevity startup AYUN, for an eye-opening conversation that redefines what “healthy life” truly means.

From IT Support to Unicorn COO to Longevity CEO: A Wild Ride!

Ildikó’s journey is nothing short of wild (her words, not ours!) She started in IT customer support, then navigated the world of recruiting, before climbing the ranks to become the COO of a Swiss unicorn company. Now, she’s leading AYUN, a company on a mission to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Her story is a testament to perseverance, taking on challenges, and building a career on her own terms, even when faced with rejections. Talk about a glow-up!

AYUN: Not Just About Living Longer, But Living Better

So, what exactly is longevity, and how is AYUN tackling it? Ildikó makes it clear: it’s not about becoming immortal or living to 120 as a “zombie.” Instead, AYUN focuses on extending our healthy lifespan – ensuring those later years are filled with vitality, not chronic illness.

Their secret? A comprehensive, holistic approach. AYUN’s check-ups gather over 150 data points, delving deep into your biology, genetics, and physiological performance. Forget your typical 10-minute doctor’s visit; at AYUN, you get an hour with a doctor to truly understand your body. They combine insights from genetic experts, internal medicine specialists, nutritionists, and sports scientists to create a personalized plan designed to anticipate and prevent health issues 10-20 years before they even start. As Ildikó explains, “Our goal is now to kind of democratize it.” They’re working with insurances and planning digital check-ups to make this cutting-edge preventative medicine accessible to more people.

The Unsexy Truth About Longevity: Sleep, Sweat, and Sanity

While fancy treatments sound cool, Ildikó emphasizes that the core pillars of longevity are surprisingly simple:

• Sleep: Often underestimated, getting quality sleep is “so key.”
• Movement: “The best longevity drug you can take.” And yes, that includes muscle building, which is crucial as we age to prevent issues like osteoporosis.
• Nutrition: Fueling your body correctly goes hand-in-hand with movement.
• Mental Health: Socializing and managing stress are incredibly important, which is why AYUN includes mental health screenings and even offers treatments like cryotherapy (yes, -110°C for 3 minutes!) and hyperbaric chambers.

The Big Questions: Immortality and Being a Female CEO

The conversation also dives into the provocative question: Is aging a sickness we can cure? Ildikó leans towards yes, seeing it as a condition with identifiable symptoms that can be treated. But when it comes to immortality, she’s pragmatic, suggesting it’s likely beyond our reach, at least for now. Her focus remains firmly on improving the quality of life now and ensuring those healthy years stretch as long as possible.

And for all the aspiring female leaders out there, Ildikó shares invaluable advice on navigating a career while being a mother. Her key takeaway? “Don’t quit before!” She champions having a partner who shares the load rather than just “helps” and highlights the need for systemic changes in childcare support. It’s a candid and inspiring segment that every working woman (and her partner!) needs to hear.

This episode is packed with fascinating insights, practical advice, and a healthy dose of inspiration. Ildikó Sirman is a force of nature, and her vision for a healthier future is infectious. Do yourself a favor and listen to the full conversation on “Bootstrapped for Cash”!

You can learn more about AYUN and their services by visiting their website: https://www.ayun.ch/.