At 92, Edward Thorp is still a force of nature, offering timeless advice on longevity. Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath, reflecting on his own health issues, called Thorp’s ideas “brilliant”, highlighting their relevance in a fast-paced and highly stressful world.
Thorp, a legendary mathematician and investor, breaks down longevity into two key strategies: defense and offense. “Defense is about minimizing the risks that can shorten your life, whether it is cardiovascular disease or a sudden accident. It’s about eliminating the weak links,” he explains.
This involves regular checkups, eating a balanced diet, and addressing potential health problems before they get worse.
On offense, Thorp says exercise is the “silver bullet.” “Moderate exercise can extend your lifespan by several years and your lifespan even further, keeping you stronger and more active for longer,” he adds.
Kamath’s adherence to Thorp’s philosophy comes from personal experience. In 2024, Kamath suffered a mild stroke, which he openly talked about on social media. “Dad’s death, poor sleep, exhaustion, dehydration and overwork: all of these could be possible reasons,” he wrote at the time.
Kamath’s recovery journey included regaining his concentration and physical functions, with his doctor emphasizing the importance of knowing when to “step back a little.”
Kamath has long championed the importance of health, both personally and professionally. In 2022, he launched a fitness challenge at Zerodha, offering a month’s salary bonus to employees who met their fitness goals 90% of the year.
“A minimum of 350 active calories per day, in any form,” Kamath said, emphasizing the need for daily movement in an increasingly sedentary work environment.
For Kamath, Thorp’s advice resonates deeply. Both emphasize proactive health measures and a balance of activity and rest to maintain long-term well-being.
