Biological Age
The true age of your cells, independent of your date of birth
Definition
Biological age measures the functional state of the body at a molecular and cellular level, as opposed to chronological age (years lived). Two people aged 50 can have biological ages of 42 and 61 respectively. It is primarily measured using epigenetic clocks — algorithms that analyse DNA methylation patterns at thousands of specific genomic positions — and predicts disease risk and mortality more accurately than chronological age.
Detailed explanation
The main epigenetic clocks are the Horvath Clock (2013, the first), PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE. Each measures different aspects of ageing: GrimAge best predicts mortality, while DunedinPACE measures the current pace of ageing (how many biological years you age per chronological year).
Studies published in Nature Aging (2022) confirm that a reduction in biological age as measured by GrimAge correlates directly with lower all-cause mortality, independently of other risk factors.
Biological age is modifiable. Interventions that reduce it include: NAD+ IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), resistance exercise, caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and certain peptides such as Epithalon. A well-designed longevity protocol can reduce biological age by 3–8 years within 12 months.
Scientific sources
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