Calculate Your Biological Age for Free: How It Works and Interpretation of Results
Biological age tests have gained popularity among biohackers and those seeking longevity. While they are not perfect indicators of overall health, they can provide some insights into how your body is aging. Making subtle changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, can have an impact on your biological age.
There are various ways to calculate biological age, and scientists have yet to agree on the best method. One widely used test is the epigenetic clock, which analyzes DNA methylation. Other tests incorporate external factors like smoking history or chronological age.
Author Hilary Brueck found a way to calculate her biological age for free by using basic lab results from a recent annual exam. Based on the information she already had stored in her phone, she discovered that her biological age was about 9 years younger than her actual age. Instead of boasting about this information, she sees it as a sign that she is aging in a healthy manner and should continue practicing four important health-promoting habits.
One type of biological age test is the “phenotypic age” test, which predicts the likelihood of developing age-related health issues such as heart problems, cognitive decline, and Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Nour Makarem, a cardiovascular epidemiologist at Columbia University, has used phenotypic age measurements in her studies and found that it can be modified by daily habits such as sleep, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
Learning your biological age can help you gauge how well your body is aging. It can serve as a motivator to adopt healthier habits that improve longevity. However, experts caution that these tests should not be taken too seriously yet, as the science of biological aging is still evolving. They recommend considering other health indicators alongside biological age tests, such as waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
If you’re interested in calculating your biological age, the free phenotypic version can provide a benchmark. By using nine lab measurements from your annual physical, including white blood cell concentration and blood glucose, you can use online calculators to estimate your biological age in minutes.
While it’s exciting to have a lower biological age than your actual age, it’s important to remember that it can easily change based on lifestyle choices. Making small improvements in diet and exercise can have a measurable impact on your biological age. Longevity expert Steve Horvath, who developed some of the most respected biological clocks, found that simple changes like eating more vegetables and taking brisk walks can lower biological age by several years.
In conclusion, calculating your biological age can provide insights into how well your body is aging. While these tests have limitations and should be considered alongside other health indicators, they can serve as a motivator to adopt healthier habits. Making small changes in diet and exercise can have a significant impact on your biological age, helping you age in a healthier manner.
