This all changed abruptly in 2011 when she collapsed with a 42°C fever and multiple organ failure. "I thought I was going to die," she told The Times on 15/9. "As a doctor, I knew how serious my condition was."

That year, Patel was 39, a mother of three with a successful medical career, but also chronic stress. She admitted she had ignored her body's warning signs. It wasn't until her husband, dentist Mandish, rushed her to the emergency room that she realized how close she had come to death. Although doctors couldn't find the suspected abscess, the health scare was a wake-up call.

A month after leaving the hospital, Patel resolved to change. 14 years later, at 53, she has dramatically reversed her aging process: her biological age, the age of her cells, is equivalent to that of a 20-year-old. This biological age was determined by a blood test analyzing inflammatory protein markers – a key indicator of aging.

"It may sound strange, but science has shown we can measurably reduce our age," she said. "And I'm living proof."

The concept of biohacking is often associated with tech billionaires seeking immortality. But for Dr. Patel, these techniques are simple, free, and take only minutes each day, while potentially adding decades of healthy living.

"Biological age isn't a vanity metric, it's a predictor of your health," she explained. "By reducing our biological age, we can live longer, healthier lives with more energy and agility, and less reliance on medication."

Dr. Alka Patel. Photo: *The Times*

Dr. Patel now prioritizes sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Every evening, she sets an alarm for 9:30 pm for a "screen curfew," going to bed an hour later. Studies have shown blue light from electronic devices suppresses melatonin, a hormone regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Creating a relaxing hour before bed helps the body produce melatonin, preparing for deep sleep.

Upon waking at 6:30 am, she performs 5 stretches, including a balancing exercise. A study of 1,700 people aged 50-75 found those unable to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds had an 84% higher risk of death within 7 years. Patel also follows a "1-10" rule: one minute of natural sunlight, followed by 10 seconds setting daily goals, three sips of water, and maintaining hydration every 30 minutes.

Her first meal is at 10 am. After a protein and fiber-rich lunch, Patel walks, runs, or does a quick weightlifting session with dumbbells kept under her desk. This helps move blood glucose to muscles, stabilizing blood sugar and reducing diabetes risk. Every 90 minutes, she alternates between sitting and standing at her desk to improve circulation and heart health.

In the evening, she practices gratitude and reflects on her day to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. She also observes 7 minutes of silence every 70 minutes. "Praising others is also important as it releases oxytocin, a bonding hormone," she added.

Oxytocin has been shown to affect the same brain centers as physical pain and may play a role in reducing inflammation and loneliness. Finally, an early dinner allows for digestion before sleep, preventing digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and blood sugar spikes – all factors that accelerate aging.

Binh Minh (Adapted from *The Times*)