For a long time, into my 60’s, I felt like I was still 27. But, time takes its toll, wrinkles and aches set in, and I am increasingly feeling closer to my chronological age. Why does it matter? What if a biological age test revealed that your biological age was out of sync with your chronological age? Dana G. Smith reports for The New York Times.
Researchers are studying why some people age more quickly than others. What do they do differently? How does their environment affect them? Are there ways to slow the aging process down at the molecular level?
You can take a biological age test to learn what your blood test results show in terms of your age. If your biological age is older than your chronological age, you are more likely to experience poor health outcomes. If it’s younger, you’re more likely to stay healthier longer.
The biological age test looks at modifications to your white blood cells. It works like a speedometer. What you ate before taking the test, how much you slept and whether you exercised could affect test results. So you could take several tests and see different results.
Unfortunately, if your biological age is older than your chronological age, the test will not tell you why. Changes in your blood cells will not explain what’s happening in your brain or kidney. You can’t know if your liver will fail or your heart. For that, researchers are seeing whether looking at different proteins in your body can provide answers.
The current biological age tests can show whether a drug or some other intervention is helping the aging process. And, that’s a plus. They can study whether supplements or diet modifications help. But, it’s still not clear whether the tests are able to see whether certain changes will actually improve people’s health.
Are these tests an early warning sign that your health is declining? Perhaps, but over a long period of time. A one-time test does not tell you much of anything. For now, you’re better off taking cholesterol and glucose tests, switching up your diet if needed to avoid ultra-processed foods and red meat, and exercising.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Aerobic exercise may be best medicine for your brain and body
- Avoid supplements with these 15 ingredients
- Skip the keto diet, go Mediterranean
- Get the preventive care you need: Medicare pays for it
- Strength training promotes longevity
