As the concept of biological age gains popularity through biohackers like Bryan Johnson and The Kardashians, more people are curious about what it means and how it can be measured.
So what exactly is biological age?
Simply put, biological age is how old your cells are. This is much different than your chronological age, which is the amount of time you’ve been alive.
But knowing your biological age isn’t just about a number – it’s about understanding the real state of your health. Because even though you do your best to take care of your body, there may be certain choices you make that are speeding up your body’s aging process and hurting your health.
The TruAge Complete test, offered here at Noble Functional Medicine, can help you learn your body’s actual age and the reasons behind it. And if some diet and lifestyle changes are needed, we’re here for you every step of the way.
So if you want to optimize your health, learn ways to live longer, and potentially slow down the aging process, checking your biological age is a great place to start.
Biological Age and Chronological Age: What’s the Difference?
Chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve been alive. And biological age reflects the condition of your body at the cellular level.
Our entire body is made up of cells, and our cells are responsible for every function that goes on inside our bodies. For this reason, cells are known as the basic building block of life. So looking at how well your cells are functioning is a good way to see how well your body is functioning (and aging) as a whole.
Let’s say someone is 45 years old but they made certain lifestyle choices that caused strain and stress on the body. These choices may cause the cells in the body to become damaged, age faster, and not work as well – essentially making their cells older when compared to their chronological age.
So what lifestyle choices could cause this?
Factors That Influence Biological Age
Your biological age is mostly determined by small choices you make every day. Some specific lifestyle factors that impact biological age include:¹
- Diet
- Exercise
- Stress levels
- Sleep quality
- Environmental exposures
Research surrounding these factors is still ongoing, but several studies have shown the impact of exercise and diet changes on biological age.
A study of just over 50,000 women between the ages of 35 and 74 years ago looked at the relationship between diet and biological age. The results found that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and red meat were associated with a lower biological age and a slower rate of aging.²
Another study of about 4,800 adult men and women found that doing 90 minutes of strength training every week was associated with a 3.9 year decrease in biological age.³
Why Should You Care About Your Biological Age?
Knowing your biological age is necessary in order to get a complete picture of your health. Simply looking at your chronological age, weight, basic blood work, and blood pressure isn’t enough.
When you learn your biological age, you’ll be able to see how your current lifestyle choices are affecting your risk for chronic illness in the near or distant future.
A higher biological age compared to chronological age may mean accelerated aging and an increased risk of chronic diseases like:⁴
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive/memory impairment
- Anemia
- Gout
- Infections
And on the other hand, a lower biological age generally indicates better overall health and a reduced risk of age-related diseases.
How Does the TruAge Complete Test Measure Biological Age?
Now that you know why learning your biological age is so important, you may be wondering – how does a biological age test work?
There are a few biological age tests on the market. But the one I recommend to all of my patients (and have taken myself) is the TruAge Complete test.
This test uses a process called DNA methylation analysis to measure different substances in the blood called biomarkers. When analyzed, these biomarkers show how quickly your body is aging. The test also shows how certain lifestyle choices affect your risk of disease and your overall health.
And don’t worry – only a few drops of blood from a finger stick are needed!
What Does the TruAge Complete Test Report Include?
After you take the TruAge Complete test, you’ll receive a detailed report that includes information on how your body is aging.
The results are broken down into these four categories:
- OMICmAge: This measures your overall biological age and identifies factors contributing to accelerated or decelerated aging.
- DunedinPACE: This metric assesses your body’s rate of aging.
- SYMPHONYAge: This report details the biological age of 11 different organ systems, such as the lungs, heart, brain, and liver.
- OMICm FitAge: This looks at your physical fitness and measures areas of your body like muscle strength and lung capacity.
How Accurate Are Biological Age Tests?
Biological age tests, like the TruAge Complete test, are based on scientific research and methods. This makes them accurate tools and one of the best ways to measure biological age.
However, it’s important to note that biological age is an estimate and can be influenced by many different factors. The results should be used as a guide to understanding your health rather than a definitive measure.
And if you need help understanding your results and figuring out the next steps you should take, a functional medicine provider (like myself), can help!
Can You Reduce Your Biological Age and Increase Your Lifespan?
By figuring out exactly where your body is aging and what’s causing it, you can then take action to fix it. Some lifestyle changes that are often recommended include:
- Eating a healthier diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Managing stress
- Getting adequate sleep
- Avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
The TruAge Complete test can help you identify specific areas for improvement and help track your progress over time.
How Often To Take a Biological Age Test
How often you check your biological age depends on your individual health goals and circumstances. Many people find it useful to take the test once a year to monitor changes and evaluate the effectiveness of their lifestyle interventions.
Consulting with your healthcare provider can help determine the best testing schedule for you.
Who Can Take the TruAge Complete Test?
The TruAge Complete test is suitable for most adults who are interested in understanding their biological age and optimizing their health.
However, individuals with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant should consult with a healthcare provider before taking the test. It’s also important to note that the test is not a diagnostic tool but rather a way to gain insights into your overall health and aging process.
Are You Interested in Improving Your Health and Longevity?
Biological age tests like the TruAge Complete test offer a valuable perspective on your health – far beyond what can be seen through traditional medical tests.
So if you’re ready to improve your health and truly understand how your body is aging, booking a biological age test at Noble Functional Medicine is a great place to start. Not only will you get a detailed report of the ways your body is aging, you’ll also discover exactly what’s causing it.
And if your results aren’t what you’re hoping for, we’ll be there to help you create a plan, start implementing healthy habits, and improve your health and lifespan.
Don’t let any more time go by. Schedule your free discovery call with us today.
References:
- Biological age is increased by stress and restored upon recovery – (nih.gov)
- Diet holds key to slowing biological aging, researchers say – (nih.gov)
- Telomere Length and Biological Aging: The Role of Strength Training in 4814 US Men and Women – (mdpi.com)
- Association of biological age with health outcomes and its modifiable factors – (wiley.com)
- TruAge Complete Test Kit – (medi-gyn.com)
