Longevity treatments in Switzerland: the complete guide for international patients

Medespoir Suisse supports patients from all over the world who wish to explore and benefit from the wide range of longevity treatments and programmes offered in Switzerland, from Geneva to Zurich, from Montreux to Lugano.

For several decades, Switzerland has attracted international clients seeking preventive medicine, regeneration programmes and in-depth assessments. This reputation rests on a demanding healthcare system, strict regulation of therapeutic products and a tradition of hospitality typical of the major resorts and the cities around Lake Geneva.

For a patient living in Paris, Dubai, Montreal, Casablanca or Singapore, however, the offer can seem opaque. Facilities are numerous, protocols have different names, and commercial promises do not always reflect the real level of scientific evidence.

Our role is to simplify the whole pathway: understanding your objective, looking among Swiss partners for the matching programme, coordinating medical exchanges, organising appointments and facilitating your stay.

You therefore do not have to search for facilities yourself, compare dozens of protocols or orchestrate each stage of your trip separately.

You present your plans to Medespoir. We organise your pathway.

This guide presents the main longevity medicine approaches available in Switzerland, their value, their limits and how a stay can be organised from start to finish.

A longevity programme is a personalised medical pathway that starts from an in-depth assessment of your health to define, where relevant, prevention and optimisation measures. It is not a single treatment, but a structured approach followed over time.

Longevity medicine: what are we talking about?

Longevity medicine brings together approaches designed to promote healthy ageing. It seeks to identify certain risk factors early and act on modifiable parameters: metabolism, physical fitness, sleep, nutrition and recovery.

The key distinction is between total life expectancy (lifespan) and healthy life expectancy (healthspan). The latter — the number of years lived without disabling chronic disease — is the most realistic and best-documented objective.

Depending on the Swiss facility, a programme may combine:

• in-depth medical assessments;
• laboratory tests;
• metabolic assessment;
• cardiovascular assessment;
• hormone tests;
• microbiome analysis;
• genetic or epigenetic analyses;
• assessment of biological age;
• personalised nutrition;
• recovery technologies;
• photobiomodulation;
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
• regenerative medicine;
• intravenous treatments;
• personalised physical programmes.

There is, however, no treatment capable of "stopping" or reversing ageing. The relevance of each intervention depends on your profile, your state of health, your objectives and the assessment of health professionals.

Prevention, healthy ageing and anti-ageing medicine

The terms "longevity", "anti-ageing" and "healthy ageing" are often used as synonyms. Yet they cover different realities, and this confusion explains some disappointed expectations.

A complete programme can combine these dimensions. It is then important to distinguish clearly between what falls under a medical objective and what falls under an aesthetic objective, as the criteria for success are not the same.

Can ageing really be slowed?

Ageing is a complex biological phenomenon combining cellular, genetic, metabolic and environmental mechanisms. Research is advancing quickly, but many promising results still come from animal or cell models.

No treatment should be presented as a guarantee of a longer lifespan.

The best-documented levers are often the simplest: regular physical activity, maintaining muscle mass, good-quality sleep, a balanced diet, stopping smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar. Advanced technologies can complement these fundamentals, not replace them.

That is why Medespoir favours a personalised, medically supervised approach rather than a general promise of "rejuvenation".

Why have an assessment before choosing a treatment?

A longevity programme should never begin with the choice of a technology. Choosing an infusion or a hyperbaric chamber session before assessing your state of health amounts to prescribing before diagnosing.

The assessment identifies the parameters that deserve particular attention, rules out contraindications and sets measurable benchmarks for follow-up. Depending on the programme, it may include:

• blood tests;
• metabolic parameters;
• cardiovascular parameters;
• hormones;
• body composition;
• inflammation markers;
• oxidative stress;
• estimation of biological age;
• eating habits;
• physical activity;
• sleep;
• recovery capacity;
• personal and family risk factors.

The aim is to have an overall picture before determining any interventions. A well-conducted assessment may in fact conclude that no specific treatment is needed, which is also valuable information.

Why Switzerland for a longevity programme?

Switzerland has established itself as one of the leading destinations for preventive and regenerative medicine, and this position is no accident. It combines one of the most demanding healthcare systems in Europe, a century-old tradition of health cures and a setting conducive to rest.

Several factors explain this appeal for patients from abroad:

• strict regulation: medicines, medical devices and products derived from cells or tissues fall under Swissmedic, and the practice of medicine is subject to cantonal authorisation;
• doctors trained to high standards, often holding a federally recognised specialist title and used to working with international clients;
• a tradition of residential medicine, inherited from the sanatoriums and spa cures of the 19th and early 20th centuries, which shaped hotel and medical hospitality;
• discretion, a strong cultural value and a frequent expectation of international patients;
• multilingualism: French, German and Italian are national languages, and English is widely spoken in facilities that welcome foreign patients;
• accessibility: Geneva, Zurich and Basel-Mulhouse airports connect Switzerland with most major capitals, and the rail network serves cities and mountain resorts alike;
• the natural setting: lakes, mountains and clean air encourage rest and physical activity, two essential components of a longevity programme.

These advantages come at a price: Swiss programmes are among the most expensive in the world, and quality varies from one facility to another. Hence the value of a structured search before committing.

For an international patient, Switzerland also has the advantage of predictable organisation. Appointments are kept, transport is punctual, and facilities are used to coordinating tests, consultations and accommodation over a short period. This reliability matters when you have only a few days and have come from far away. It allows most of the stay to be devoted to health rather than logistics, and you leave having actually completed the programme as planned.

The mechanisms of ageing in brief

Understanding what research means by "biological ageing" helps assess what a treatment can, or cannot, achieve. Scientists describe several broad families of mechanisms, often called the "hallmarks of ageing".

This table shows an important reality: most of these mechanisms are influenced by well-documented lifestyle factors. Many technological approaches, on the other hand, are still at the research or clinical evaluation stage.

A serious programme therefore relies first on what is established, then incorporates more recent approaches, cautiously and with full knowledge, when they are relevant to your profile.

Who is a longevity programme for?

There is no typical profile, but certain situations come up often among international patients:

• very busy executives and managers who wish to concentrate a complete assessment into a few days;
• people over 40 or 50 who want to establish benchmarks before any problems appear;
• demanding amateur athletes seeking to optimise recovery;
• people with a family history of cardiovascular or metabolic disease who want targeted prevention;
• patients who feel a lasting drop in energy with no clear explanation;
• people who wish to combine an aesthetic project with an overall health approach.

A longevity programme does not replace treatment of an established disease. If you have a symptom or a known condition, follow-up by your usual doctor and the relevant specialists remains the priority.

Longevity glossary

Longevity programmes use vocabulary that is often technical and sometimes English. This glossary will help you read programme descriptions and reports.

Eight misconceptions about longevity

"A treatment can reverse ageing"

No treatment has been shown in humans to reverse the ageing of the body as a whole. Some markers can improve, which is useful, but that does not mean you are "getting younger" in the overall biological sense.

"The more tests, the better"

An effective assessment is a targeted one. Multiplying tests without indication increases the risk of ambiguous results, worry and unnecessary further tests.

"Genetics decides everything"

Genes play a role, but for most people, lifestyle and environment weigh more heavily on long-term health. A predisposition is not destiny.

"Supplements replace a good diet"

A supplement can correct an identified deficiency. It does not reproduce the benefits of a varied diet rich in plant foods, nor those of physical activity.

"Longevity is for older people"

Prevention is all the more effective for starting early. Many risk factors develop between 30 and 50, at an age when they remain largely modifiable.

"Intense sport is enough"

Physical activity is essential, but it must be balanced: endurance, muscle strengthening, mobility and recovery. Excessive training without rest can even become counterproductive.

"One stay is enough for ever"

A stay provides momentum and benchmarks. Lasting benefits depend on the habits adopted afterwards and regular follow-up over time.

"The more expensive, the more effective"

Price mainly reflects the setting, duration and number of services. The relevance of a programme is judged by how well it matches your objective, not by its cost.

Swiss facilities specialising in preventive medicine, recovery and regeneration offer a wide range of technologies, from the most classic tests to emerging approaches. Their availability varies between facilities and always depends on the patient's medical assessment.

Centres are found mainly around Lake Geneva (Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey), in the Zurich region and central Switzerland (Zurich, Zug, Lucerne, the shores of Lake Lucerne), in Ticino (Lugano) and in the major Alpine resorts (Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Verbier, St. Moritz). This geography allows a medical programme to be combined with a restful stay.

To help you find your way, the table below places each family of treatment according to its use in a pathway.

Switzerland's longevity regions: where are the programmes?

The choice of region influences the setting of the stay, the working language and access from your country. Longevity programmes are concentrated in a few hubs, but preventive medical services extend across the whole country.

The 26 Swiss cantons at a glance

For an international patient, the canton matters mainly for language and access. The 26 cantons are divided as follows:

How to choose your region?

Three criteria help you decide. The first is language: a French-speaking patient will often feel more at ease around Lake Geneva or in Valais, even if English allows you to work anywhere. The second is access: Geneva and Zurich offer the most long-haul connections. The third is the setting you are looking for: city, lake or mountains.

Altitude deserves a comment. Resorts above 1,500 metres offer dry air and a spectacular setting, but some exercise tests or sensitive people may be affected by altitude. This point should be mentioned when your file is studied.

Medespoir does not impose a region on you: we first look for the programme suited to your objective, then take your geographical preferences into account.

Medical longevity assessment

The assessment is the entry point to most programmes. It brings together over one or more days tests that would elsewhere require weeks of appointments with different specialists.

It may include assessment of:

• cardiovascular health (electrocardiogram, ultrasound, exercise test depending on profile);
• metabolism (blood sugar, lipid profile, liver and kidney function);
• body composition (fat mass, muscle mass, bone density where appropriate);
• hormones;
• inflammation;
• oxidative stress;
• respiratory capacity;
• recovery and heart rate variability;
• physical fitness (VO2 max, grip strength, mobility);
• estimated biological age.

The aim is not to accumulate tests. An isolated result has little value: it is cross-interpretation by a doctor that allows priorities to be ranked and a realistic action plan defined.

How does a longevity assessment work?

The assessment generally starts in the morning, fasting, with a blood sample. The number of parameters analysed varies greatly between programmes: a standard assessment covers a few dozen, an in-depth assessment can include many more.

Then come functional tests: electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurement, ultrasounds depending on profile, body composition analysis, strength and mobility tests, and possibly an exercise test on a bike or treadmill with measurement of respiratory gases. Some centres add targeted imaging when the doctor considers it justified.

The day often ends with a first discussion. Complete results, notably those of specialist tests, may take several days: the results review then takes place at the end of the stay or remotely.

What a good assessment should give you

• a written, understandable summary of your results;
• a ranking of priorities, not a list of values;
• concrete, realistic recommendations;
• figures to measure change at a future assessment;
• where appropriate, referral to a specialist.

A very extensive assessment is not necessarily better: multiplying tests also increases the likelihood of "borderline" results that cause worry or further tests with no real benefit. Relevance takes precedence over quantity.

Genetic and epigenetic tests

Some programmes offer genetic analyses, which study inherited DNA, and epigenetic analyses, which look at the chemical marks that modulate gene expression. The latter are used notably for "epigenetic clocks", which estimate biological age.

To interpret these results, it is necessary to distinguish between:

• a genetic predisposition;
• a risk factor;
• a biological marker;
• a disease;
• a medical intervention.

A genetic result is not in itself a diagnosis. In Switzerland, genetic testing in humans is governed by a specific federal law, which requires in particular prior information and the person's consent. Epigenetic clocks, for their part, remain research tools whose individual predictive value is still debated.

How does a genetic analysis work?

Sampling is simple: a saliva sample or a blood test. The analysis itself is carried out in a laboratory and generally takes several weeks. Results are therefore most often given after the patient has returned home, in a remote consultation.

Before sampling, you should be given clear information about what will be analysed, the possibility of unexpected findings and your right not to know certain results. This genetic counselling step is part of good practice.

What you need to know before starting

• most genetic variants associated with ageing have a modest individual effect;
• a "favourable" result does not exempt you from prevention, and an "unfavourable" result is not destiny;
• some results may also concern your relatives, which deserves thought;
• epigenetic ages can vary according to the clock used and the laboratory.

Used with discernment, these analyses can strengthen motivation and guide certain prevention priorities.

Microbiome analysis

The gut microbiome — all the micro-organisms living in the digestive tract — is attracting growing interest in nutrition and preventive medicine. Its composition changes with age, diet, medicines and lifestyle.

An analysis, generally carried out on a stool sample, provides information on the diversity and composition of bacterial populations. These data can feed into a personalised nutritional approach, alongside the medical assessment.

Microbiome analysis cannot, on its own, determine a person's life expectancy. The links between the microbiome and ageing are still being researched.

In practice

The sampling kit can often be provided before departure or at the start of the stay. As the analysis takes several weeks, results are generally discussed remotely, sometimes with a nutritionist or dietitian.

For the results to be interpretable, it is useful to report recent use of antibiotics or probiotics or a major change in diet, as these factors temporarily change the microbiome. The resulting recommendations most often concern dietary diversity, fibre and fermented foods, rather than costly supplements.

Oxidative stress analysis

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of oxidising molecules (free radicals) and the body's antioxidant defences. It is one of the mechanisms studied in biological ageing.

Some facilities offer assessments covering:

• oxidative stress;
• antioxidant status;
• trace elements and minerals;
• certain associated biological markers.

Technologies such as OligoCheck, a non-invasive measurement by skin spectrophotometry, may be offered in some pathways. As with any screening test, the result must be compared with blood tests and placed within an overall medical assessment.

What should be done with the results?

High oxidative stress is not a disease in itself. It may reflect smoking, exposure to pollution, intense training, lack of sleep or a diet low in plant foods. The soundest responses are therefore first linked to lifestyle.

High-dose antioxidant supplementation is not always beneficial and may even, in some contexts, be unnecessary or unsuitable. That is why any supplementation must follow from a confirmed deficiency and be approved by a doctor.

These measurements are mainly useful for follow-up: repeated a few months apart, they allow the effect of changes in habits to be observed.

NAD+ and cellular optimisation

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell. It is involved in energy production and in certain DNA repair mechanisms. Its levels tend to fall with age, which explains the interest it attracts.

Some facilities offer protocols aimed at raising NAD+ levels, by intravenous infusion or orally administered precursors. The stated objectives concern:

• energy;
• recovery;
• cellular metabolism;
• general well-being.

It is necessary to distinguish between biological mechanisms observed in the laboratory and the level of clinical evidence in humans. Human studies on longevity remain limited. NAD+ treatment should therefore not be presented as a proven method of extending lifespan.

How does an NAD+ infusion work?

The infusion is given sitting or lying down, under supervision. It is often administered slowly, over one to several hours, as too fast a rate can cause unpleasant sensations: chest tightness, nausea, hot flushes or cramps. These effects generally subside when the rate is slowed.

Protocols differ between facilities: a single session, a series of closely spaced sessions during the stay, or combination with other nutrients. Oral precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside or nicotinamide mononucleotide, are another option, whose regulatory status varies between countries.

Questions to ask before an NAD+ protocol

• What dose is given and over what period?
• How many sessions are planned, and why that number?
• What side effects have been observed at the facility?
• What concrete benefit is expected, and how will it be assessed?
• Is the protocol compatible with my current treatments?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a chamber where the pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood.

It has recognised medical indications, such as decompression sickness, certain cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and certain chronic wounds. It is also included in recovery and longevity programmes at several high-end Swiss centres, in a context where the level of evidence is less established.

Before any session, a medical assessment checks for contraindications: certain lung conditions, middle ear disorders, severe claustrophobia or current treatments.

How does a hyperbaric session work?

There are two types of facility: monoplace chambers, where the patient lies alone, and multiplace chambers, where several people breathe oxygen through a mask or hood, possibly accompanied by a carer. So-called "soft", low-pressure chambers are not equivalent to higher-pressure medical facilities.

The session includes a compression phase, during which the ears must be equalised as on a plane or when diving, a treatment phase, then gradual decompression. A session generally lasts one to two hours, including pressurisation time.

In a recovery or longevity setting, protocols often involve a series of sessions. The effect of a single session is limited, which raises the question of the length of stay needed.

Possible side effects

• discomfort or pain in the ears and sinuses, the most common;
• fatigue after the session;
• temporary visual changes during prolonged series;
• rarely, more serious complications, hence the importance of a medical setting and trained staff.

Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of light, mainly red and near-infrared, delivered by panels, beds or localised devices. It produces no significant heat and should not be confused with a simple infrared sauna.

It is being studied in several fields:

• recovery;
• pain;
• inflammation;
• skin quality;
• mitochondrial activity;
• muscle recovery.

It can be included in recovery and medical well-being programmes. Results vary according to the parameters used (wavelength, dose, duration), and objectives must be distinguished from insufficiently demonstrated claims.

In practice

A photobiomodulation session is painless and generally lasts ten to thirty minutes. The patient sits in front of a panel or lies in a light bed, with eyes protected by suitable goggles. No particular preparation is needed, apart from avoiding certain photosensitising cosmetic products.

The effects, when they occur, appear gradually and require repeated sessions. That is why photobiomodulation is often offered as a course during the stay, sometimes supplemented by a home device.

Caution is needed with photosensitising treatment, eye disease, a history of skin cancer or pregnancy: these situations should be reported.

Cryotherapy

Whole-body cryotherapy exposes the body to very intense cold, in a cabin or chamber, for a short, controlled period, generally a few minutes. Local forms also exist.

It is used in programmes for:

• recovery;
• physical preparation;
• well-being;
• managing certain types of pain;
• muscle recovery.

Certain cardiovascular or circulatory conditions may contraindicate it. Cryotherapy should not be presented as a proven method that on its own extends lifespan.

How does a session work?

The patient wears minimal clothing, gloves, socks, slippers and often a hat and mask to protect the extremities. They enter the cabin for a very short time, generally two to three minutes, under the supervision of an operator. The sensation is intense but dry, which makes it more bearable than a cold bath.

After the session, a feeling of alertness is often reported. Some programmes combine cryotherapy with cold-water immersion or alternating hot and cold with the sauna.

Contraindications to report

• uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• heart problems or a recent heart attack;
• Raynaud's syndrome or circulatory disorders;
• cold allergy;
• pregnancy;
• open wounds or skin infections.

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine brings together approaches designed to promote the repair or regeneration of certain tissues. It is one of the most publicised areas of longevity, and also one in which the gap between commercial promise and clinical evidence can be greatest.

Depending on the facility and the indication, it may include:

• PRP (platelet-rich plasma);
• growth factors;
• stem cells;
• exosomes;
• nanofat;
• microfat;
• other tissue regeneration techniques.

These treatments do not all have the same level of evidence. In Switzerland, products derived from human cells or tissues fall under a specific regulatory framework, supervised by Swissmedic, the federal authority for therapeutic products. Particular attention must therefore be paid to indications, protocols, regulation and available data.

PRP

Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from a simple blood test taken from the patient, centrifuged to concentrate the platelets. These contain growth factors involved in healing.

PRP is used in sports medicine, orthopaedics, dermatology and aesthetic medicine (skin quality, scalp). Its autologous nature — derived from the patient themselves — limits the risk of immune reaction. Its effectiveness varies according to the indication and preparation technique.

Stem cells

Cell therapies are a major field of research. Some applications are established for precise indications, such as haematopoietic stem cell transplants in haematology. Other uses, notably for "anti-ageing" purposes, have no comparable clinical validation.

A serious medical programme should specify:

• the type of cells used;
• the origin of the cells (autologous or not);
• the indication;
• the protocol;
• the level of evidence;
• the regulatory framework;
• the potential risks.

An offer that does not answer these questions clearly should prompt caution.

Exosomes

Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells that carry proteins and genetic material from one cell to another. They are the subject of a great deal of research, notably in skin and tissue regeneration.

They should not be presented as a universal solution to ageing. Their use depends on the indication, the origin and quality of the product, the protocol and the medical setting.

Nanofat and microfat

These techniques use the patient's own fat, harvested with a fine cannula then prepared mechanically. Microfat retains small fat lobules and is mainly used to restore fine volumes; nanofat, more finely emulsified, is used to improve skin quality, notably around the eyes or on scars. These are medical-surgical procedures, carried out under local anaesthesia, with a possible short period of swelling.

Regenerative medicine: the right questions to ask

An evasive answer to any of these questions should prompt you to seek a second opinion.

Vitamin and micronutrient infusions

Some facilities offer intravenous infusions containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids or antioxidants. The intravenous route bypasses digestive absorption and allows precise quantities to be administered.

These infusions can be part of personalised programmes, notably when a deficiency has been identified or digestive absorption is impaired. For a healthy, well-nourished person, their value is not automatic.

The indication, composition and frequency must be assessed by a health professional, taking into account kidney and heart function and current treatments.

In practice

An infusion generally lasts thirty minutes to an hour and a half. A preliminary blood test usually checks kidney function and certain baseline levels, in order to adapt the composition. Side effects are generally minor: pain or bruising at the injection site, a feeling of warmth and, more rarely, feeling faint.

"À la carte" protocols, chosen from a menu without prior assessment, do not amount to a medical approach. A relevant infusion meets a need identified during the assessment, and its effect can be checked by a later test.

Hormone medicine

Ageing is accompanied by gradual hormonal changes, such as menopause in women or the gradual fall in testosterone in some men. In certain situations, these changes justify a medical assessment.

An assessment may cover:

• sex hormones;
• testosterone;
• oestrogens and progesterone;
• thyroid function;
• DHEA;
• cortisol;
• other endocrine parameters.

It is necessary to distinguish between treating a medically identified deficiency, which falls to endocrinology or gynaecology, and systematic use of hormones for anti-ageing purposes. Any hormone treatment involves an individual balance of benefits and risks and regular follow-up, including after the patient returns to their country.

Menopause, andropause: what a consultation can offer

For women, a specialist consultation allows the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause (hot flushes, sleep problems, dryness, mood, bone health) to be reviewed and the value of hormone treatment and its alternatives to be assessed case by case. Current recommendations stress individualisation and regular reassessment.

For men, low testosterone is not diagnosed on a single test: it requires compatible symptoms and repeated tests taken in the morning. Any treatment requires monitoring, notably of the prostate and certain blood parameters.

In both cases, treatment is long term. It is therefore essential that your GP is informed and can provide follow-up after you return.

Metabolic medicine

Metabolism is one of the major determinants of long-term health. Abdominal excess weight, insulin resistance and loss of muscle mass with age (sarcopenia) are associated with many chronic diseases.

A metabolic programme may look at:

• weight and fat distribution;
• body composition;
• muscle mass and strength;
• blood sugar, possibly via continuous glucose monitoring;
• insulin resistance;
• nutrition;
• physical activity;
• cardiovascular health.

Certain drug treatments may be considered when medically indicated. Adjustments to nutrition and physical activity generally remain the foundation of the programme.

Continuous glucose monitoring

Some programmes offer to wear a small sensor on the arm for one to two weeks. It continuously measures glucose in the interstitial fluid and shows how your body reacts to meals, exertion, stress and sleep.

In a person without diabetes, this tool is mainly educational: it helps identify meals that cause large spikes and adjust the diet. The variations observed must be interpreted with a professional, as moderate fluctuations are normal.

Preserving muscle mass

Age-related muscle loss is one of the most decisive factors in long-term independence. A serious metabolic programme therefore measures muscle mass and strength and proposes suitable strength training, combined with sufficient protein intake. This is often one of the most useful recommendations to take home.

Recovery and performance technologies

Recent programmes incorporate measurement and training tools from elite sport. They allow recovery to be measured objectively and a physical programme to be built that is suited to age and capacity.

Depending on the facility:

• heart rate variability (HRV);
• neurofeedback;
• personalised training;
• indirect calorimetry (resting metabolism);
• VO2 max measurement;
• recovery technologies (compression, hydrotherapy, sauna);
• rehabilitation and physiotherapy;
• cardiovascular monitoring;
• sleep analysis.

These tools complement the medical and nutritional assessment. Their main value is to provide figures for tracking progress after the stay.

VO2 max, HRV, sleep: why these measurements matter

VO2 max, the body's maximum capacity to use oxygen, is one of the most studied fitness indicators in relation to long-term health. Measured during an exercise test with a mask, it allows personalised training zones to be defined.

Heart rate variability reflects the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Low variability may indicate fatigue, chronic stress or insufficient recovery; it is most useful when tracked over time in the same person.

Finally, sleep is an often-neglected pillar. Some programmes offer sleep recording, sometimes respiratory polygraphy to screen for apnoea. An unidentified sleep disorder can on its own explain persistent fatigue.

Aesthetic medicine and skin regeneration

Longevity is often associated with an aesthetic approach: many patients want their appearance to reflect their renewed vitality.

Treatments may include:

• PRP;
• lasers;
• radiofrequency;
• focused ultrasound;
• hyaluronic acid injections;
• botulinum toxin;
• skinboosters and skin regeneration treatments.

It is important to distinguish clearly between aesthetic rejuvenation, which acts on appearance, and biological longevity, which concerns the health and functioning of the body. The two approaches can coexist in the same stay, with distinct objectives and follow-up.

Combining aesthetics and a longevity programme: a few precautions

Timing matters. Some aesthetic treatments cause redness, swelling or small bruises for a few days: it is better to schedule them at the end of the stay, after the tests and recovery sessions, and taking into account your commitments when you return.

Some combinations require an interval, for example between a laser and sun exposure, or between injections and a hyperbaric or cryotherapy session. The aesthetic doctor must know your whole programme to organise the order of treatments.

Finally, injectable procedures may require a check after a few weeks. It is useful to know in advance how this check will be organised, on site during a later stay or with a practitioner in your country.

Personalised nutrition

Nutrition is part of almost every longevity programme, and for good reason: it is one of the best-documented levers of long-term health. In Switzerland, it is generally entrusted to qualified dietitians or nutrition doctors, who work from the assessment results.

A serious nutrition consultation begins by analysing your real habits: meal patterns, work constraints, travel, cultural preferences and alcohol consumption. It then draws on your biological parameters (lipid profile, blood sugar, any deficiencies) and body composition.

Recommendations most often focus on a few simple areas:

• sufficient protein intake, spread over the day, to preserve muscle mass;
• plenty of plant foods, fibre and wholegrains;
• good-quality fats, notably from fish, nuts and vegetable oils;
• cutting down on ultra-processed products, added sugars and alcohol;
• hydration suited to physical activity and climate.

Some facilities also offer more specific approaches: supervised intermittent fasting, fasting-mimicking diets and moderate calorie restriction protocols. These approaches are the subject of interesting research, but they do not suit everyone. They are not advised with treated diabetes, pregnancy, underweight or a history of eating disorders, and must always be medically supervised.

The main challenge is not the stay itself, but what happens afterwards. A good nutrition programme results in advice you can apply at home, with your local produce and your pace of life, rather than a strict diet impossible to keep to.

In-depth cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. That is why assessment of the heart and blood vessels is central to Swiss longevity assessments.

Beyond the electrocardiogram and blood pressure measurement, an in-depth assessment may include, depending on profile and the cardiologist's opinion:

• an echocardiogram, to look at the structure and function of the heart;
• an exercise test, possibly with analysis of respiratory gases;
• an ultrasound of the carotid arteries, looking for plaques;
• a Holter monitor, recording heart activity over 24 hours or more;
• a coronary calcium score by CT scan, which estimates the presence of calcification in the heart's arteries;
• an extended lipid profile, sometimes including lipoprotein(a), a largely hereditary risk factor.

Not all these tests are necessary for everyone. The CT scan, for example, involves a low dose of X-rays and is only relevant in certain intermediate-risk situations. The cardiologist chooses the tests according to your age, family history and risk factors.

The value of this assessment is very concrete: it allows a modifiable risk to be identified early, and physical activity, diet and, if needed, preventive treatment followed by your doctor to be adapted accordingly.

Preventive imaging and whole-body MRI

Several Swiss centres offer imaging tests as part of their programmes: abdominal ultrasound, bone densitometry and sometimes so-called "whole-body" MRI. These tests are appealing because they promise to see everything in a single session.

Their value must nevertheless be judged with caution. MRI involves no X-rays, but a screening test without symptoms frequently finds harmless abnormalities, known as "incidentalomas". These findings can lead to worry, further tests and sometimes invasive procedures with no real health benefit.

Medical societies do not currently recommend whole-body MRI as a routine screening test in a person with no symptoms or particular risk factor. It may, however, be discussed in specific situations, such as certain known genetic predispositions.

If an imaging test is offered to you, ask exactly what it is looking for, what will be done if something is found, and how the results will be sent to your GP.

Cognitive health and sleep

Preserving memory, attention and mental sharpness is among patients' most common concerns. Some programmes therefore include a cognitive assessment, carried out by a neurologist, geriatrician or neuropsychologist depending on the facility.

This assessment may include tests of memory, attention and executive function, a discussion of sleep, mood and stress, and an analysis of modifiable risk factors: blood pressure, hearing, physical activity, social isolation and alcohol consumption. Several of these factors are associated, in major studies, with long-term cognitive health.

Sleep is closely linked to brain health. A sleep recording may reveal apnoea, frequent waking or insufficient duration, all of which can be treated. Recommendations then concern sleep hygiene, stress management and, if needed, specific treatment.

No programme can guarantee the prevention of a neurodegenerative disease. The realistic aim is to act on known factors and have benchmarks for follow-up over time.

Bone and joint health

Strong bones and mobile joints determine independence with age. A fracture after a fall is one of the events that weighs most heavily on older people's quality of life.

Depending on profile, a programme may include bone densitometry, which measures bone mineral density, vitamin D and calcium tests, and an assessment of balance and strength. Post-menopausal women and people with a family history of osteoporosis are particularly concerned.

Recommendations generally combine strengthening and balance exercises, sufficient intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, and correcting risk factors such as smoking or certain treatments. For painful joints, a specialist consultation can lead to physiotherapy or, depending on the indication, targeted regenerative approaches.

Stress management and mental recovery

Chronic stress affects sleep, blood pressure, metabolism and inflammation. For many active patients, it is one of the main obstacles to good long-term health.

Some facilities therefore include stress management approaches: breathing techniques, cardiac coherence, mindfulness meditation, outdoor physical activity and sometimes support from a professional. Heart rate variability can serve as a benchmark for measuring recovery over the stay.

These approaches do not replace specialist care when mood disorders or burnout are present. In that case, the programme can help take stock, but follow-up must continue with a health professional in your country.

Summary: what we know about each approach

The following table summarises, deliberately cautiously, the place of each approach in a longevity programme. It does not replace the doctor's opinion, which assesses the value of a treatment for your particular situation.

What emerges from this summary is consistent: the most powerful levers are also the least spectacular. A good programme mainly helps you put them into practice lastingly, with measured benchmarks and support.

Yes, a longevity programme often combines several approaches, but the combination only makes sense if it follows from the assessment and not from a catalogue. A coherent pathway generally follows this logic:

1. Assessment: clinical, laboratory and functional tests.
2. Analysis: cross-interpretation of results by the medical team.
3. Consultation: results review, defining priorities and objectives.
4. Treatment: chosen interventions, when indicated.
5. Recovery: rest time and supporting technologies.
6. Nutrition: personalised dietary recommendations.
7. Physical activity: a programme suited to measured capacities.
8. Follow-up: monitoring markers and remote adjustments.

The combination depends on the medical profile. Some combinations require particular caution: several closely spaced infusions, hormone therapy with a cardiovascular history, hyperbaric sessions with respiratory conditions, or regenerative treatments in a person on anticoagulants.

More treatments do not mean a better programme. A focused pathway centred on two or three clearly identified priorities is often more useful than an accumulation of technologies.

Examples of combinations by profile

The examples below illustrate the logic of a combined programme. They are not protocols: the actual content is set by the medical team.

In each of these cases, technology supports a clearly identified priority. It is this coherence that distinguishes a medical programme from a simple treatment package.

In what order should treatments be organised?

The order of treatments influences both the reliability of tests and the comfort of the stay. Facilities generally follow a logic close to this:

This organisation remains indicative: each facility adapts it to its technical facilities and your programme.

The final protocol is determined by health professionals after assessment.

Medespoir organises and coordinates the pathway; Medespoir does not establish the medical indication and does not carry out medical procedures.

The right programme is chosen from your objective, not from a technology. The table below matches the most common objectives with the components generally considered, subject to medical assessment.

How should you phrase your objective?

A well-phrased objective saves time at every stage: searching for the programme, medical preparation and organising the stay. Before contacting us, these few questions can help you clarify it:

• What makes you consider a programme now: fatigue, a family history, a milestone age, a wish to take stock?
• Have you had a recent assessment, and what were its main results?
• Do you mainly wish to understand, prevent, recover or combine health and aesthetics?
• How many days do you have, and at what time of year?
• Do you prefer a city, a lake or the mountains?
• In which language do you wish to communicate with the doctors?

You do not need to have all the answers. A simple objective, such as "have a complete assessment and leave with clear priorities", is enough to start: we then refine the plan with you, and then with the medical team.

This step also avoids a common pitfall: choosing a programme based on the most publicised technology of the moment, rather than on what you really need.

Do you want to improve your vitality?

Persistent fatigue often has several causes: insufficient sleep, deficiencies, thyroid imbalance, inactivity and chronic stress. A vitality pathway starts by looking for the cause, then combines recovery, nutrition and technologies suited to your profile.

Tests frequently offered: targeted blood tests (iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, thyroid), sleep assessment, heart rate variability measurement and a discussion of stress and pace of life. At the end of the stay, the aim is to have identified one or more plausible causes of the fatigue and a concrete plan to address them.

Remember: persistent fatigue can also reveal a medical disorder requiring specialist follow-up. The vitality programme does not replace that follow-up.

Do you want a complete assessment?

This is the most common entry point, notably for executives and very mobile people who do not have time for multiple appointments. The assessment concentrates into a short stay tests that are usually spread over several weeks.

The complete assessment is also an opportunity to review the screening recommended for your age and sex, which very mobile people sometimes tend to put off. Results are given in summary form, with clearly identified priorities and a follow-up schedule. If your main aim is a classic preventive assessment, without longevity treatments, our guide to the medical check-up in Switzerland details the tests, packages and organisation.

Do you want to understand your biological ageing better?

Laboratory, metabolic, genetic or epigenetic analyses may be considered. They provide useful benchmarks, provided their limits are known and they are interpreted with a doctor.

These analyses often appeal to patients who like data and indicators. They are even more useful when repeated: a second assessment one or two years later allows you to see the concrete effect of lifestyle changes on your markers.

Do you want to improve your recovery?

These programmes are for demanding amateur athletes, people returning to activity or those whose work schedule affects their sleep. They combine physiological measurements, recovery technologies and personalised physical activity.

The typical pathway combines an exercise test, measurement of heart rate variability and body composition, then sessions alternating supervised training and recovery. You leave with training zones, recovery benchmarks and advice on organising your week.

Do you want to work on your metabolism?

The programme includes an assessment of weight, body composition, blood sugar and eating habits. The aim is to leave with a concrete plan that fits your daily life.

Continuous glucose monitoring, resting calorimetry and muscle mass analysis are among the most widely used tools. The programme generally emphasises muscle strengthening, which is often underestimated, and a diet compatible with your work constraints and travel.

Do you want to explore regenerative medicine?

Depending on the indication, some facilities offer PRP or other specialised approaches. A prior consultation checks that the technique matches your situation and that its regulatory framework is clear.

The best-established indications concern localised problems: tendons, joints, skin quality and scalp. For a general objective of "rejuvenation", the evidence is much more limited, and the doctor will tell you so. This type of project often requires several sessions, sometimes spread over two stays.

Do you want to combine health and aesthetics?

A pathway can include aesthetic medicine treatments alongside a prevention approach. We make sure that each part has its own objectives, so that you know exactly what each treatment can achieve.

In practice, the health part takes up the start of the stay and aesthetic treatments the end. This organisation prevents redness or slight swelling from disrupting the tests, and lets you leave with a complete picture of both your health and your aesthetic options.

Do you want to preserve your cognitive function?

A pathway can combine a cognitive assessment, a cardiovascular and metabolic assessment, sleep analysis and a discussion of lifestyle. It is aimed notably at people with a family history or who feel their concentration is declining. The programme aims to act on modifiable risk factors and establish benchmarks for follow-up.

Do you want to sleep better?

Sleep determines recovery, mood, metabolism and cognitive health. A sleep-focused programme may include an overnight recording, screening for apnoea, stress assessment and precise recommendations on timing, light, evening meals and physical activity. Any disorders identified can then be followed by a specialist in your country.

The six programmes below are examples of pathways built around an objective. They serve as a starting point for discussion and are not standardised medical prescriptions: the final content is always defined by the facility after assessment.

Longevity Assessment Programme

A pathway focused on comprehensive evaluation of your health and the main parameters linked to ageing. It ends with a results review and a written report that you can share with your GP.

Example of a two-day schedule:

1. Day 1, morning: fasting blood test, cardiovascular tests, body composition.
2. Day 1, afternoon: exercise test, assessment of mobility and strength, lifestyle interview.
3. Day 2, morning: additional tests depending on profile, nutrition consultation.
4. Day 2, afternoon: results review and personalised prevention plan.

This programme is particularly suited to a first step, or as a follow-up assessment one to two years after a first stay.

Vitality Programme

A pathway focused on energy, recovery, sleep, nutrition and lifestyle optimisation. It suits people who feel persistently tired with no clear explanation.

The programme begins by looking for the causes of fatigue: targeted blood tests (iron, vitamins, thyroid) and assessment of sleep and stress. It continues with recovery sessions, nutritional support and lifestyle advice that can be applied on return. Depending on the results, technologies such as photobiomodulation or an indicated infusion may complete the pathway.

Regeneration Programme

A pathway that can include regenerative medicine techniques when they are medically appropriate. A prior specialist consultation clarifies the indication, protocol, level of evidence and regulatory framework.

The pathway generally includes an initial consultation, the tests needed for the indication (imaging, blood tests), then the chosen technique, for example PRP or autologous fat transfer. A recovery period and a follow-up appointment are planned. When the protocol requires several spaced sessions, the programme may extend over two stays.

Healthy Ageing Programme

A comprehensive approach combining prevention, metabolism, nutrition, physical activity and recovery. Its aim is to preserve your physical and cognitive capacities over time, with measurable benchmarks.

It combines a complete assessment, nutrition workshops or consultations, supervised physical activity sessions and recovery time. The aim is to leave with a simple plan built around a few priority habits and a schedule of check-ups. It is the programme most focused on passing on lasting methods.

Performance & Recovery Programme

A pathway focused on fitness, recovery and performance optimisation. It relies on objective measurements (VO2 max, HRV, body composition) and leads to a personalised training programme.

The stay alternates physiological tests, supervised training sessions and recovery technologies: hyperbaric therapy, photobiomodulation, cryotherapy or hydrotherapy depending on the facility. A prior cardiac assessment checks that intense exertion is safe. The patient leaves with quantified training zones and a programme suited to their sporting calendar.

Premium Longevity Programme

A complete, highly personalised pathway that can combine in-depth assessment, specialist technologies, recovery, nutrition and enhanced support. It often takes place in a residential setting, by a lake or in the mountains.

This programme brings several specialists together around the same file: internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition, physical activity and, as needed, endocrinology, regenerative or aesthetic medicine. The stay includes daily medical follow-up, high-end accommodation and well-being activities. It is aimed at patients who want comprehensive care over a longer period, with remote follow-up after returning home.

Your pathway takes place in seven stages, from first contact to follow-up after you return. Medespoir remains your single contact for organisation; medical decisions belong to health professionals.

Stage 1 — You explain your objective

You tell us what you are looking for:

• longevity assessment;
• prevention;
• vitality;
• recovery;
• metabolism;
• regenerative medicine;
• anti-ageing;
• aesthetics;
• complete programme.

You also specify your constraints: possible dates, maximum duration, preferred language, whether you will be accompanied, and a preference for a city or region. You can send the medical tests you already have, to avoid duplication.

Stage 2 — We study your plans

Medespoir examines your request to understand your objective, your context and the characteristics of your plans. If information is missing, we ask you for it before any search.

This stage also helps clarify your expectations. A patient who wants to "try everything" and a patient who wants to understand a specific fatigue will not need the same programme. We rephrase your objective with you, so that the search is targeted from the outset.

Stage 3 — We look for the right pathway

Medespoir consults its partners in Switzerland to identify facilities and programmes likely to match your plans. You do not have to contact several facilities yourself or compare differently worded offers on your own.

We take several criteria into account: how well the programme fits your objective, the medical expertise available, the working language, the preferred region, availability on the planned dates and the expected standard of accommodation. The options are presented to you with their differences, with no pressure on your choice.

Stage 4 — Medical coordination

With your agreement, the necessary information is passed to the professionals concerned for study of the file. Doctors and facilities then determine which tests or treatments can be offered, and which cannot.

The medical team sometimes asks for additional information or recommends a test before departure, for example a recent cardiac assessment before an intensive sports programme. These requests are made for your safety and the relevance of the programme; we help you organise them.

Stage 5 — Organising the stay

Depending on the plan, Medespoir can coordinate:

• appointments;
• transport;
• transfers from Geneva, Zurich or Basel-Mulhouse airport, or from the station;
• hotel or residence;
• support;
• interpreting;
• the calendar of the stay.

Stage 6 — Carrying out the programme

You complete your pathway with the health professionals concerned. Medical procedures are carried out by the competent facilities and practitioners, under their responsibility. Medespoir remains reachable throughout the stay for organisational questions.

If the programme needs to be adjusted during the stay, after a test result or on medical decision, we reorganise the calendar, accommodation and transfers accordingly.

Stage 7 — Return and follow-up

After the stay, Medespoir remains available to facilitate continuity: sending documents, organising any check-up and coordinating a second stay if the facility recommends one.

Confidentiality of your medical data

Your health information is only passed on with your agreement, and only to the professionals involved in your plans. In Switzerland, personal data protection is governed by the Federal Act on Data Protection, which treats health data as sensitive data. Healthcare facilities are also bound by professional confidentiality.

We recommend that you only send documents useful for studying your plans, and that you tell us about any restriction you wish to apply to their circulation.

Typical timeline for a plan

These timescales are indicative. They depend on the complexity of the plan, the availability of facilities and, where applicable, visa formalities.

Going through Medespoir means entrusting the search and logistics to a single contact, so that you can concentrate on your health. Organising a longevity programme abroad on your own means comparing disparate offers, managing several time zones and coordinating providers who do not know each other.

A single contact

You do not have to search for several facilities yourself. The same person knows your file from the first exchange to your return.

In practice, this means you do not have to repeat your story to each new contact. Your objective, constraints and preferences are known and passed on to the right people at the right time. For a patient organising a stay from another continent, this continuity often makes all the difference.

A personalised search

Your plans are studied according to your objective, constraints and existing tests, not on the basis of a generic package.

Two patients of the same age can have radically different needs. One wants to understand breathlessness on exertion, another wishes to optimise sports recovery, a third wants to take stock before a new stage of life. The search starts from these differences, not from a standardised offer adjusted at the margins.

International coordination

Medespoir facilitates exchanges between you and the professionals concerned, whatever your country of residence.

International coordination also covers aspects that are easily forgotten: time differences when setting remote appointments, secure transfer of documents, translation of useful material and organisation of results reviews after you return, when some results arrive later.

Complete organisation

Depending on the programme, we coordinate appointments, transport, accommodation and the various stages of the stay.

A successful longevity programme requires smooth logistics: arriving rested, moving from one test to the next without needless waiting, having recovery time and leaving without rushing. We build the calendar so that organisation serves the programme, not the other way round.

Time saved

You avoid hours of searching, comparing and chasing, often on websites written in a language other than your own.

This time saved also means less mental load. The patients who come to us are often very busy: delegating the search, exchanges and coordination allows them to approach the stay with a clear mind, which in itself is a favourable condition for a health-focused programme.

Support

Our role is to facilitate your pathway before, during and after the stay, without ever replacing medical decisions.

This support rests on a simple rule: transparency. We tell you what we know, what we do not know, and what is solely a matter for the doctors' decision. If a request does not seem to us to correspond to a serious medical approach, we tell you that too.

What Medespoir does not do

To avoid any ambiguity, it is useful to set out the limits of our role:

• we make no diagnosis and prescribe no treatment;
• we carry out no medical procedures;
• we guarantee no medical or aesthetic result;
• we do not replace your GP, who remains responsible for your long-term follow-up;
• we do not push you towards one treatment rather than another: the medical choice belongs to the professionals, and the final decision is yours.

This clear separation between organisation and medicine protects your safety and the quality of your pathway.

How can you recognise a serious longevity treatment programme?

Whether or not you go through Medespoir, a few criteria help distinguish a medical approach from a mainly commercial offer:

• The programme begins with a medical assessment, not a menu of treatments.
• The doctors involved are identified, with their specialty.
• The level of evidence for each treatment is presented honestly.
• Contraindications and side effects are explained.
• No numerical promise of "rejuvenation" or years of life gained is made.
• The quote details precisely the services included.
• A written report is provided, and follow-up after returning home is planned.
• The regulatory status of regenerative products is clearly stated.

An offer that does not tick these boxes is not necessarily dangerous, but it deserves further questions before any commitment.

There is no single price: the cost of a programme depends on its content, duration and level of personalisation. Two programmes with the same name at two facilities can cover very different services.

The cost depends notably on:

• the number of tests;
• laboratory analyses;
• the treatments chosen;
• the number of sessions;
• the length of the stay;
• accommodation (hotel, medical residence, clinic room);
• transfers;
• support and interpreting;
• any regenerative treatments;
• the level of personalisation.

Prices are generally expressed in Swiss francs. To compare two proposals, always check what is included: results reviews, written report, any additional tests, meals and remote follow-up.

Most preventive longevity programmes are not covered by Swiss compulsory health insurance, nor as a rule by foreign public schemes. If you have international private insurance, check with them before departure: some partially cover diagnostic tests. Any amount given remains indicative and non-binding until the facility's quote has been issued.

Request your personalised estimate

Rather than displaying a generic price, Medespoir studies your plans and directs you to a programme that matches your objectives. You receive a detailed estimate, item by item, before any commitment.

Reading and comparing an estimate

Always compare estimates covering the same scope. An apparently cheaper programme may exclude items that will be charged extra on site. Medical procedures are paid according to each facility's conditions, often with a deposit at booking.

Insurance: what to check before departure

As longevity programmes are mostly preventive, they are usually at the patient's expense. A few checks can nevertheless avoid unpleasant surprises:

• international health insurance: some contracts partially cover diagnostic tests or specialist consultations, rarely recovery or regenerative treatments;
• travel insurance: it generally covers emergencies arising during the stay, but not planned care, and may exclude complications linked to a non-urgent procedure;
• cancellation insurance: useful if your dates are uncertain, subject to the terms of the contract;
• supporting documents: keep detailed invoices and reports, which your insurer may request.

Ask your insurer in writing before departure and keep their answer: it is the surest way to know your cover precisely.

Why such differences between two programmes?

Two programmes presented under the same name can differ considerably in cost. Several factors explain this:

• the setting: a residential stay with high-end accommodation, meals and activities bears no comparison with an outpatient assessment in a city;
• the number of specialists involved and the length of consultations;
• the depth of the tests: imaging, specialist tests, genetic analyses;
• the technologies used and the number of sessions planned;
• the follow-up included after returning home, sometimes over several months.

The most comprehensive programme is not always the most suitable. For a first step, a targeted assessment followed by a clear plan often provides the essentials. A more extensive programme is justified when a precise objective or particular risk profile calls for it.

The length depends on the programme: from one or two days for a targeted assessment to a week or more for a complete residential pathway. The exact length is set by the facility according to the programme and medical recommendations.

Short stay

It is mainly devoted to the assessment and initial consultations. It is the format best suited to a busy schedule or a first step.

Stay of a few days

It allows assessment, consultations and several technologies to be combined, with rest periods between sessions.

Complete programme

A longer stay is needed when the pathway includes several successive stages, for example an assessment followed by a recovery and nutrition programme.

Premium programme

Some high-end programmes extend over several days with daily medical follow-up, supervised physical activities and a residential setting.

Also allow for travel time and, for long journeys, a night to adjust to the time difference before the first tests: some results, such as heart rate variability or sleep, are sensitive to it.

Which season should you choose?

Longevity programmes run all year round, but the season influences the setting of the stay and the availability of facilities.

For a stay focused on rest and outdoor physical activity, late spring and early autumn are often appreciated. For a short assessment in a city, the season matters little.

How often should you come back?

There is no universal rule. Many patients have a complete initial assessment, then a more targeted follow-up assessment one to two years later to measure progress. Regenerative or hormone programmes may require more frequent check-ups, sometimes possible remotely or with a doctor in your country. The pace is set with the doctor according to your results.

Good preparation determines the quality of the stay: the more complete your file, the more targeted the programme can be. Medespoir helps you to:

• gather useful medical information;
• send the tests you already have;
• define your objectives clearly;
• organise appointments;
• plan the stay;
• organise transport;
• book accommodation.

For an international patient, a few practical points are worth anticipating:

• Check the conditions of entry into Switzerland for your nationality (Switzerland is part of the Schengen area; some nationals need a visa).
• Gather your recent reports, test results and a precise list of your treatments, if possible translated into French, German or English.
• Report your allergies, history and any anticoagulant or hormone treatment.
• Check your travel and health insurance cover abroad.
• Follow instructions on fasting or stopping supplements before certain tests.
• Bring sports clothes if the programme includes exercise tests.

Practical information for patients coming from abroad

If you are on long-term treatment, bring enough for the whole stay, with the corresponding prescription, preferably translated.

Managing jet lag and travel fatigue

For patients coming from the Americas, Asia or the Middle East, jet lag is not just a minor inconvenience: it affects sleep, heart rate variability, blood pressure and sometimes certain laboratory results. A few simple measures limit its impact on your programme.

• Arrive a day earlier when the time difference is more than a few hours, so that the first tests do not fall the day after a sleepless night.
• Get daylight as soon as you arrive, preferably in the morning, to reset your body clock.
• Stay well hydrated during the flight and limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Move regularly on long flights, for circulation as well as recovery.
• Report any unusual fatigue to the medical team, who can postpone an exercise test or a sensitive measurement.

Once there, the calm of the lakes and mountains often helps recovery in the first few days.

Questions to ask before booking

Before confirming a programme, take time to get clear answers to these questions:

1. Who will be my lead doctor, and what is their specialty?
2. Which tests and treatments are planned, and why?
3. Which could be added or removed after the initial assessment?
4. In which language will consultations take place?
5. When and in what form will I receive my results and report?
6. How will follow-up be organised after I return?
7. What happens if a test reveals a problem requiring care?
8. What are the change and cancellation conditions?

Medespoir helps you obtain these answers from facilities, so that you can decide with full knowledge.

The stay follows a simple sequence, adjusted to the chosen programme:

1. Arrival at the airport or station.
2. Transfer to the hotel or facility.
3. Welcome and presentation of the programme.
4. Consultation — first meeting with the lead doctor.
5. Tests for the assessment.
6. Treatments chosen, when indicated.
7. Recovery between sessions.
8. Results review and recommendations.
9. Return.

The exact organisation depends on the programme chosen. Between appointments, the nearby lakes and mountains allow you to extend the approach through walking, relaxation or simply rest.

Example of a typical day

The pace is deliberately measured. Too busy a programme impairs recovery and can distort certain measurements. Do not hesitate to report fatigue: the calendar can be adjusted.

During the stay, Medespoir remains reachable

A delayed flight, an appointment to move, a question about the hotel or transfers: your Medespoir contact remains available for practical matters. For any medical question, the facility's care team is your point of contact; in an emergency, the Swiss medical emergency number is 144.

Making the most of your stay by region

Free time is part of the programme: walking, breathing, resting. Each region offers a different setting in which to make the most of it, without excessive effort.

After an exercise test, an infusion or a hyperbaric session, choose a light activity. Your medical team can tell you, day by day, the level of exertion compatible with your programme.

Returning home is not the end of the programme: it is the time when the recommendations must become part of your daily life. Depending on the pathway, follow-up may include:

• a medical report;
• personalised recommendations;
• information on next steps;
• remote monitoring of certain markers;
• coordination with the professionals concerned;
• organisational follow-up by Medespoir.

We recommend that you share the report with your GP in your country, particularly if hormone, metabolic or regenerative treatment has been proposed. Continuity of care remains the responsibility of your usual doctor.

Keeping your programme alive day to day

Experience shows that the benefits of a longevity programme depend mainly on what happens in the following months. A few principles help turn recommendations into habits:

1. Choose two or three priorities rather than changing everything at once.
2. Schedule physical activity in your diary, like an appointment.
3. Track a few simple indicators: daily steps, sleep, waist circumference, blood pressure.
4. Schedule a check of laboratory or functional parameters after a few months.
5. Involve your GP, who remains responsible for continuity of care.
6. Plan a follow-up assessment one to two years later to measure progress.

If a new stay is recommended, Medespoir can organise it taking your results and availability into account.

Signs that should prompt a consultation after returning home

Most longevity treatments are well tolerated. Certain signs should nevertheless prompt you to contact a doctor quickly, in your country or the team that followed you:

• redness, warmth, increasing pain or discharge at the injection or sampling site;
• unexplained fever in the days following an invasive procedure;
• chest pain, unusual breathlessness or palpitations;
• persistent visual or hearing problems;
• any reaction that worries you.

In an emergency, call the emergency services in your country. Keep your report to hand: it will allow the doctor you see to know exactly what care you received.

Preparing the next assessment

The follow-up assessment is when you measure what has changed. For it to be really useful, a few precautions help:

• keep all the reports and results from the first stay in a single file;
• note, over the months, the changes in habits you have actually adopted;
• report any new treatment, symptom or health event;
• if possible, repeat the same tests, in the same laboratory or with the same method, so that results are comparable.

Medespoir can organise this follow-up assessment at the same facility or, if your needs have changed, look for a more suitable programme.

The role of your GP

Your usual doctor remains your main contact for day-to-day health. A longevity programme in Switzerland does not replace them: it provides them with useful information and, often, prevention ideas they can follow up with you.

For this collaboration to work, inform them of your plans before departure, send them the report on your return and discuss the recommendations together. Some may require laboratory monitoring, treatment adjustment or referral to a specialist near you.

If a treatment was started during the stay, for example hormonal or metabolic, its renewal and monitoring fall to your GP or a specialist in your country. This is a guarantee of safety and continuity, wherever you live.

Here are the answers to the questions most often asked by patients around the world who are considering a longevity programme in Switzerland.

Treatments

Which longevity treatments are offered in Switzerland? Swiss facilities offer in-depth assessments, advanced laboratory tests, medical nutrition, recovery technologies, photobiomodulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, regenerative medicine and aesthetic medicine. The offer varies according to the facility and your medical profile. These programmes are concentrated mainly around Lake Geneva, in Zurich, central Switzerland, Ticino and the major Alpine resorts. What serious approaches have in common is that they start from an assessment before proposing any treatment. Personalised nutrition, in-depth cardiovascular assessment, cognitive health and sleep analysis often complement these approaches in the most comprehensive programmes.

What is longevity medicine? It is an approach that aims to extend the years lived in good health, through prevention, medical assessment and, where indicated, targeted interventions. It is concerned less with the total number of years than with their quality: remaining independent, active and healthy for as long as possible. It draws on internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition, physical activity and, depending on the case, more recent approaches. It differs from curative medicine in its timing: it intervenes before diseases appear, by identifying risk factors that can still be modified.

What is NAD+? NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell. It is involved in energy production and certain cell repair mechanisms, and its level tends to fall with age. This decline has prompted a great deal of research, mainly in the laboratory and in animals. In humans, studies are more recent and do not yet allow firm conclusions on longevity.

Is NAD+ therapy available in Switzerland? Some facilities offer NAD+-related protocols, by infusion or orally. Their availability and indication are checked case by case. When a protocol is offered, ask about the dose, the number of sessions, the side effects observed and how the benefit will be assessed. An infusion always takes place under medical supervision. Oral precursors are another option; their regulatory status and availability vary between countries, which matters if you wish to continue at home.

What is photobiomodulation? It is the use of specific wavelengths of light, red and near-infrared, to stimulate certain cell functions. It is being studied notably for recovery, pain and skin. Sessions are painless and generally last ten to thirty minutes. Any effects are gradual and require repeated sessions, which explains why it is often offered as a course.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? It involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. It has recognised medical indications and is also used in some recovery programmes. A session generally lasts one to two hours, including pressurisation time. A prior assessment, particularly of the ears, sinuses and lungs, is essential. There are high-pressure medical chambers and so-called soft, low-pressure chambers; the two are not equivalent, which is worth clarifying.

Is cryotherapy a longevity treatment? It can be part of a recovery programme, but nothing allows it to be presented as a proven method of extending life. It involves very brief exposure, two to three minutes, to intense dry cold. It is not advised in the case of uncontrolled cardiovascular or circulatory disorders.

What is PRP? PRP is a platelet concentrate obtained from your own blood. It is used in sports medicine, dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Preparation takes about half an hour, from blood test to injection. Results depend on the indication, the preparation technique and the number of sessions.

What are stem cells? They are cells capable of renewing themselves and differentiating into other cell types. Their applications depend greatly on the type of cell, the indication and the regulatory framework. In Switzerland, cell products are subject to a strict regulatory framework. Before any treatment, ask about the origin of the cells, the precise indication, the status of the product and the available data. An offer that does not answer these questions clearly should prompt you to seek a second opinion before committing.

What are exosomes? They are small vesicles released by cells that carry biological messages. They are being studied in regenerative medicine, without being a universal solution. Their origin, preparation method and quality vary between products. These points, as well as the regulatory framework, must be clarified before any use.

What is a longevity assessment? It is a comprehensive evaluation combining laboratory, metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal and physical tests, followed by a review with a doctor. It generally takes one to two days and concludes with a written summary. Its main value is to prioritise prevention and set benchmarks for follow-up. Depending on the profile, it may include in-depth cardiovascular assessment, sleep assessment or cognitive assessment.

Can a DNA analysis be carried out? Yes, some programmes offer it. In Switzerland, these analyses are regulated by law and must be interpreted in a medical context. The sample is taken by saliva or blood test, and results often take several weeks. They are then given remotely, with appropriate counselling.

Can the microbiome be analysed? Yes, some facilities offer analysis from a stool sample. The results can guide nutritional advice. Report any recent use of antibiotics or probiotics, which can distort interpretation. The microbiome remains a field of research: its links with ageing are not yet fully established.

What is OligoCheck? It is a non-invasive measurement, carried out by spectrophotometry on the skin, offered by some facilities to estimate parameters related to minerals, trace elements and oxidative stress. It is a quick screening test. Its results must be compared with blood tests before any decision on supplementation.

What is oxidative stress? It is an imbalance between the oxidising molecules produced by the body and its antioxidant defences. It is one of the mechanisms studied in ageing. Smoking, pollution, lack of sleep, a diet low in plant foods or excessive exertion can increase it. The soundest responses lie first in lifestyle.

Are vitamin infusions offered? Yes, at some facilities. Their value depends on your real needs, assessed by a doctor. A preliminary blood test usually checks kidney function and certain baseline levels. A relevant infusion meets an identified need, not a standardised menu.

Can a hormone assessment be carried out? Yes, depending on the programme. It can cover the thyroid, sex hormones, DHEA or cortisol. Some tests must be carried out at specific times, for example in the morning for testosterone or on a given day of the cycle in women. The programme takes this into account when organising samples.

Can biological age be measured? Some programmes offer markers, including epigenetic clocks, to estimate biological age. These tools give benchmarks, not a certain prediction. The estimated biological age varies according to the tool and the laboratory. It is mainly useful for tracking change in the same person, using the same method. A biological age higher than chronological age is not a diagnosis: it is an incentive to look more closely at the lifestyle factors concerned.

Can several treatments be combined? Yes, when the combination is judged consistent and safe by the health professionals after the assessment. The order of care matters: tests first, treatments next, and aesthetic procedures preferably at the end of the stay. Some combinations require an interval between two sessions.

Which treatments have really been studied scientifically? The level of evidence varies greatly. Physical activity, nutrition, sleep and control of cardiovascular risk factors are the best documented; several recent technologies are still being evaluated. A good facility presents this level of evidence honestly for each treatment offered. Be wary of promises of a specific number of years gained or guaranteed "rejuvenation". For whole-body MRI, for example, medical societies do not recommend routine screening in a person with no symptoms or particular risk factor.

Programmes

Which longevity programme should I choose? No programme suits everyone. The choice depends on your objective, your state of health and the medical assessment. For a first step, a longevity assessment is often the best starting point. It then allows you to choose a more targeted programme with full knowledge. If your main concern is memory, sleep or the heart, a programme focused on that priority will often be more useful than a general one.

How many days should I allow? One to two days for a targeted assessment, up to a week or more for a complete programme. Add travel time and, for long journeys, a night to adjust to the time difference before the first tests.

Can I come just for an assessment? Yes, it is even the most common entry point. An assessment can take one to two days. It is the format best suited to busy schedules and to patients who wish to establish benchmarks before considering other care.

Can I come to improve my vitality? Yes. The programme starts by looking for the causes of low energy before proposing action. Deficiencies, thyroid disorders, poor-quality sleep and chronic stress are among the common causes. Identifying them avoids treating a symptom without knowing its origin.

Can I come to improve my recovery? Yes, some programmes combine physiological measurements, recovery technologies and personalised training. A prior cardiac assessment checks that exertion is safe. You leave with personalised training zones and recovery benchmarks.

Can I come for an anti-ageing programme? Yes, some facilities offer pathways combining healthy ageing and aesthetic medicine. It is useful to clarify from the outset the share of aesthetic objectives and health objectives, so that each part is entrusted to the right specialist.

Can longevity and aesthetic medicine be combined? Yes, provided health objectives are distinguished from appearance objectives and the treatments are checked for compatibility. Aesthetic treatments are generally scheduled at the end of the stay, as they can cause redness or minor swelling for a few days.

At what age should a longevity programme start? There is no universal age. An assessment can be useful as soon as you wish to establish benchmarks, then repeated at suitable intervals. Many patients take a first step between 40 and 60, but an assessment can be justified earlier with a family history, or later to preserve independence. What matters most is regularity: an assessment repeated at suitable intervals allows you to track the real effect of your changes in habits.

Can a programme be purely preventive? Yes, prevention is at the heart of longevity medicine. A preventive programme can be limited to the assessment and advice on nutrition and physical activity, without any technological treatment, and still be very useful.

Can a programme be personalised? Yes, that is the very principle of a serious longevity pathway. Personalisation covers tests, treatments, duration, region, language and the pace of the stay. It begins as soon as you describe your objective.

Organisation

Does Medespoir choose the facility? Medespoir looks among its partners for options that match your plans and presents them to you. The final selection depends on the medical pathway and the facility concerned. You always have the last word: no option is chosen without your agreement, and you can ask to compare several proposals.

Does Medespoir book the consultations? Yes, Medespoir can coordinate appointments with partner facilities. We build a coherent calendar that takes into account fasting tests, intervals between certain sessions and your flight times.

Does Medespoir arrange the hotel? Depending on the programme, accommodation can be included in the organisation of the stay, in a hotel, residence or the facility itself. The choice takes into account proximity to the facility, your budget and your preferences, for example a lake view or a mountain setting.

Can transfers be arranged? Yes, from the main airports and stations, according to the needs of the stay. Geneva, Zurich and Basel-Mulhouse airports are the main gateways, supplemented by a rail network that also serves mountain resorts.

How do I send my medical file? How to send it is explained to you when your request is studied, with your consent. Only send documents useful for studying the plan. Health data are sensitive data, protected by Swiss law and medical confidentiality.

Do I need to speak French? No. Exchanges can be facilitated and language assistance arranged according to your needs. English is widely spoken in facilities that welcome international clients. Around Lake Geneva and in Valais, French predominates; in Zurich, Lucerne or Basel, German; in Ticino, Italian. Specify your preferred language in your request. In bilingual cantons such as Fribourg, Bern or Valais, both languages are often spoken in facilities.

Can I come from any country? Yes, the service is for patients from all over the world, subject to the conditions of entry into Switzerland applicable to your nationality. Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required: in that case, allow enough time for the formalities before setting your dates.

Can I be accompanied? Yes in most cases, depending on the programme and the organisation of the stay. A companion can share your accommodation and, in some programmes, also have an assessment or recovery treatments.

How much time should I allow in total? Add travel time to the length of the programme and, for long journeys, a day to adjust to the time difference. If aesthetic treatments are planned, also keep a few days' margin before returning to work or an important event.

Can the whole stay be organised? Yes, Medespoir can coordinate all the components of the stay according to the chosen programme. Appointments, accommodation, transfers, interpreting and calendar: you have an overview of the stay before departure.

Prices

How much does a longevity programme cost? The price depends on the programme, tests, treatments, accommodation and duration. A personalised estimate is given to you after studying your plans. Prices are generally expressed in Swiss francs and remain indicative and non-binding until the facility's final quote. Differences between programmes are explained by the setting, the number of specialists, the depth of the tests, the technologies and the follow-up included.

Does the price depend on the number of treatments? Yes, each additional test, session or treatment affects the total cost. This is one of the reasons why a programme focused on two or three priorities is often more relevant, and more reasonable, than an accumulation of technologies.

Are laboratory tests included? It depends on the programme. The quote specifies the tests included and those that could be added. Specialist tests, such as genetics or the microbiome, are often charged separately. Check the exact list of parameters included. Imaging, when indicated, is also often a separate line in the estimate.

Is the hotel included? It depends on the chosen package; some residential programmes include accommodation. When it is not included, Medespoir can suggest accommodation options near the facility, suited to your budget.

Are transfers included? They depend on the organisation chosen and are clearly shown in the estimate. Also consider journeys between the hotel and the facility, which may be repeated several times during the stay.

Are treatments included? The quote details the services included, item by item. A treatment added on site, after medical assessment, may be invoiced in addition: it is then presented to you before it is carried out. Always ask for the number of sessions and the products used to be set out in writing.

Can I receive a personalised quote? Yes, after studying your request. The more precise your request (objective, duration, region, tests already carried out), the more reliable the estimate.

Can the programme be changed? Yes, it can change according to the medical assessment and availability, which may alter the final cost. Ask about each provider's change and cancellation conditions before confirming.

Are there premium programmes? Yes, some facilities offer high-end residential programmes with enhanced follow-up. They bring together several specialists, daily follow-up and a residential setting, often by a lake or in the mountains.

How do I ask for a price? Contact Medespoir describing your objective; we will come back to you with a suitable estimate. The form at the end of the guide allows you to specify your objective, dates and constraints in a few minutes.

Safety and medicine

Are longevity treatments safe? Safety depends on the treatment, your state of health and the medical setting. That is why every intervention is preceded by an assessment. A treatment well tolerated by one person may be unsuitable for another. Being open about your history and treatments is the best guarantee of safety. Imaging tests themselves have their limits: screening without a precise indication can reveal harmless abnormalities and generate unnecessary tests.

Are there contraindications? Yes. Hyperbaric therapy, cryotherapy, hormones and some infusions have specific contraindications. Pregnancy, certain heart, respiratory or cancer conditions, and taking anticoagulants are among the situations that should always be reported.

Who decides on the treatment? The doctor responsible for your pathway, after assessment. The decision is made with you: the doctor explains the expected benefits, risks and alternatives before obtaining your consent. You can always take time to think before accepting a treatment, or ask your GP's opinion.

Does Medespoir prescribe treatments? No. Medespoir is a medical tourism and coordination agency and does not replace health professionals. Our role is to organise and coordinate; medical decisions belong exclusively to the doctors caring for you.

Who carries out the medical procedures? The health professionals and facilities concerned, under their responsibility. These professionals practise under authorisation and according to the ethical rules applicable in Switzerland.

Can a treatment be refused? Yes. A doctor may consider that a treatment is not appropriate or not safe enough for you, and this decision protects your health. A reasoned refusal is a sign of serious practice. It is generally accompanied by an alternative better suited to your situation.

Do treatments really extend lifespan? No treatment guarantees a longer life. The level of evidence varies greatly between interventions. The realistic aim is to act on modifiable risk factors and preserve your capacities, which helps you live longer in good health. Major studies show that physical activity, diet, sleep and control of cardiovascular risk factors are among the soundest levers.

What is the difference between anti-ageing and longevity? Anti-ageing often includes appearance objectives. Longevity aims first at healthy ageing. The two approaches can coexist in the same stay, provided their objectives and criteria for success are clearly distinguished.

Are stem cells validated for longevity? No, not in general. Some precise indications are established, but "anti-ageing" uses have no comparable validation. Before any cell treatment, ask about the type and origin of the cells, the regulatory status of the product and the available clinical data. In Switzerland, cell products are supervised by Swissmedic, which strictly regulates their use.

Are exosomes validated for all indications? No. Their use and level of evidence depend greatly on the indication and the product. Research is active, notably in skin regeneration, but protocols and products remain heterogeneous.

Is NAD+ proven to extend life? No. Its biological mechanisms are being studied, but no study shows that administering NAD+ extends human life. Some patients report feeling a boost in energy; this feeling should be distinguished from a proven effect on lifespan. If you are considering an NAD+ protocol, ask how the expected benefit will be assessed during and after the stay.

Does cryotherapy extend lifespan? No data allow this to be stated. It belongs rather to the logic of recovery. It can nevertheless aid recovery after exertion and provide a feeling of well-being that many patients appreciate.

Does photobiomodulation extend lifespan? It is being studied in several fields, but should not be presented as a method of extending life. Its best-studied applications concern recovery, certain types of pain and skin quality, with results that vary according to the parameters.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy suitable for everyone? No. A prior medical assessment is essential, notably of the lungs and ears. A cold or sinusitis at the time of the stay may be enough to postpone a session, as equalising pressure becomes difficult. Significant claustrophobia should also be reported: multi-place chambers may then be better tolerated than individual ones.

Are vitamin infusions necessary? Not routinely. They are mainly justified when a doctor has identified a need. In a healthy, well-nourished person, a varied diet usually covers needs.

Why is medical advice essential? Because a treatment may carry risks, contraindications or interactions specific to your situation. Medical advice also helps avoid unnecessary treatments, and therefore spending with no benefit.

Can I bring my medical file? Yes, and it is recommended: your recent tests can avoid duplication and guide the assessment. Documents translated into French, German or English make them easier for the medical team to read.

Can treatments interact with my medicines? Yes. Always provide the complete list of your treatments, including supplements. Anticoagulants, hormone treatments, certain diabetes medicines and herbal supplements are particularly important to mention. Supervised fasting or dietary restriction protocols can also interact with certain treatments, notably for diabetes.

How are risks assessed? Professionals examine your state of health, history, treatments and the characteristics of each intervention. This assessment is repeated if your situation changes during the stay, for example in the event of unusual fatigue or a new symptom.

Why not choose a treatment solely online? Because a treatment suited to one person may be useless or risky for another. Online information helps you prepare your questions, but only a medical assessment can determine what really suits you.

Medespoir

Why go through Medespoir? To have a single contact who looks for suitable programmes and organises your stay from start to finish. You save time, avoid comparing disparate offers alone and benefit from coordination in your language, from the first exchange to follow-up. We also help you ask facilities the right questions, so that you can decide with full knowledge.

Is Medespoir a clinic? No. Medespoir is a medical tourism and coordination agency. We carry out no medical procedures: we put you in touch, organise and support, working with partner facilities.

Does Medespoir carry out the treatments? No. Medical procedures are carried out by the health professionals concerned. These professionals are responsible for the indication, delivery and medical follow-up of each treatment.

Does Medespoir choose the doctor? Medespoir identifies suitable options among its partners. The medical choice lies with the facility and the professionals concerned. If you have a preference, for example for a doctor who speaks your language, we take it into account in our search.

How does Medespoir look for a programme? Based on your objective, the information provided, your calendar constraints and the options available from our partners. We then present the options clearly, with their differences in content, duration and setting. If no programme really matches your objective, we tell you so rather than proposing an unsuitable solution.

Does Medespoir work with partners? Yes, the pathway is organised with partner facilities and professionals in Switzerland. These partners cover different regions and different types of programme, from targeted assessment to complete residential stays.

Who remains my contact? Medespoir remains your organisational contact; your lead doctor remains your medical contact. This clear division avoids confusion: practical questions to Medespoir, health questions to the care team.

Does Medespoir arrange transfers? Yes, depending on the stay, transfers can be coordinated. Times are adjusted to your flights and appointments, including if your arrival is delayed.

Can Medespoir arrange the hotel? Yes, depending on the chosen package. We favour accommodation close to the facility to limit travel between sessions.

Does Medespoir support international patients? Yes, the organisation is designed for patients coming from abroad, whatever their country of residence. We take into account the constraints of long journeys: time difference, visas, languages and remote follow-up after returning home.

Stay

How should I prepare for my stay? Medespoir tells you the information and documents needed for the programme, as well as practical instructions before certain tests. A checklist summarises the documents to bring, any fasting instructions and useful personal items, such as sports clothes. If certain tests require particular preparation, such as fasting or temporarily stopping a supplement, these instructions are sent to you in advance.

Which documents should I send? Your recent tests, the list of your treatments and the required identity and travel documents. The exact list is specified when your file is studied. Also remember your travel and health insurance card, and prescriptions for your current treatments.

How far in advance should the trip be organised? It is better to plan several weeks ahead, especially if a visa is required or you are aiming for a busy period. School holidays and peak tourist seasons in the mountains generally require more advance planning. A comfortable lead time also allows any tests requested by the medical team to be carried out before departure.

What happens when I arrive? Depending on the programme: transfer, welcome, presentation of the schedule and first medical appointment. Time is set aside to settle in, especially after a long flight, so that tests take place in good conditions.

What does a typical day look like? Consultations, tests, treatments, recovery time and sometimes supervised physical activity are spread over the day, with planned breaks. Days are rarely full from start to finish: free slots allow you to recover and enjoy the setting. Depending on the region, this free time can be spent walking by a lake, on a boat trip or on a mountain walk suited to your programme.

Can I use the stay to rest? Yes, the calendar can include rest periods, especially as facilities are often located near a lake or in the mountains. Rest is an integral part of a longevity programme: it determines recovery and the quality of certain measurements.

Can I come with my partner? Yes, depending on the arrangements for the stay; some programmes also offer a pathway for the companion. A stay for two is also an opportunity to adopt the nutrition and physical activity recommendations together on returning home.

Can I extend my stay? This can be considered depending on the availability of the facility and accommodation. An extension can be an opportunity to add a check-up session or a few days' rest in the mountains or by a lake.

How does the return work? The transfer to the airport or station and the departure time can be coordinated, taking your last appointment into account. Before leaving, check that you have your report or, failing that, the date on which it will be sent to you. If possible, plan a quiet day when you get home, especially after a long flight.

How is follow-up organised after the stay? Follow-up depends on the programme and the professionals' recommendations; it may include remote check-ups and liaison with your GP. Delayed results, such as certain specialist tests, are generally discussed in a remote consultation. A follow-up assessment one to two years later then allows the change in your markers to be measured using the same methods.

Personalised request

How do I request my longevity programme? Contact Medespoir and describe your objective, your constraints and any existing tests. You can attach your recent tests and specify your possible dates: this speeds up the study of your request. Also indicate your preferences for region, language and accommodation: they guide the search from the outset.

Can I set out my objective before choosing a treatment? Yes, that is precisely the starting point of the personalised pathway. Starting from the objective rather than the technology avoids paying for treatments that do not match your situation.

Can I ask for several options? Yes, depending on the plan, several options can be studied and compared. For example, you can compare a short package in a city with a residential stay in the mountains.

Can I send my existing test results? Yes, they are useful for studying the file and may avoid repeating certain tests. Recent tests, less than a few months old, are the most useful; the doctor will decide whether they can replace certain samples.

Can I ask for a tailor-made programme? Yes, each programme is built from your objective. Personalisation covers both the medical content, adjusted by the facility, and the organisation of the stay.

Can I get an estimate for the stay? Yes, a detailed estimate is given to you after studying your plans. It distinguishes medical services, accommodation, transfers and support, for clear reading.

How long does it take to study my request? It depends on the complexity of the plan and the exchanges needed with partners. We keep you informed of progress and promptly let you know of any missing information.

Can I change my dates? Yes, subject to the availability of facilities and accommodation. Let us know as early as possible: some services may be subject to change conditions.

Can I be supported at every stage? Yes, facilitating the entire international pathway is precisely Medespoir's role. Before, during and after the stay, you always know whom to contact about practical matters.

How do I contact Medespoir to get started? Fill in the form below, setting out your longevity objective. An adviser then gathers the information needed to study your plans. You do not need to have already chosen a treatment: describing your objective is enough to start. An adviser will contact you to clarify your plans and present the next steps.

Would you like to explore the longevity treatments offered in Switzerland without searching for facilities yourself, comparing protocols and organising your stay alone?

Medespoir studies your plans and looks among its partners for the pathway that matches your objectives.

We coordinate exchanges, appointments and the organisation of your stay, so that you have a single contact from first contact to your return home.

Whether you live in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas or Asia, the process is the same: you describe your objective, we study your plans, then we present clear options. You remain free in your choices at every stage.

A longevity programme is not a promise of eternal youth. It is an opportunity to take an in-depth look at your health, understand what really matters for the years ahead and leave with a realistic plan, built with health professionals, in one of the most restful settings there is.