The Difference Between Chronological and Biological Age
- Dr. Koren
- Nov 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Have you ever wondered why some people look younger or older than their actual age? Or why some people are more prone to certain diseases or conditions than others? The answer may lie in the difference between chronological and biological age.
Chronological age is the number of years that have passed since you were born. It is a fixed and objective measure that does not change over time. Biological age, on the other hand, is an estimate of how old your cells and tissues are based on various factors that affect your health and aging process. It is a dynamic and subjective measure that can vary from person to person and change over time.
Why does biological age matter? Because it can give you a better idea of your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and more. It can also indicate your life expectancy and quality of life. Research suggests that biological age is more accurate than chronological age for predicting the onset of disease and death.
How can you find out your biological age? There are different methods and tests that can measure your biological age based on different aspects of your physiology, such as:
Telomeres: These are the protective caps at the end of your chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. The shorter your telomeres, the older your cells are.
DNA methylation: This is a process that modifies your DNA by adding or removing chemical groups called methyl groups. The pattern of DNA methylation changes with age and reflects how your genes are expressed.
Biomarkers: These are measurable indicators of your biological processes, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, inflammation, oxidative stress, hormones, and more. The higher or lower these biomarkers are from the normal range, the older or younger your cells are.
There are online calculators and apps that can estimate your biological age based on some of these methods and factors. However, these tools may not be very accurate or reliable, as they may not account for all the variables that influence your biological age. The best way to find out your biological age is to consult a medical professional who can perform more comprehensive and validated tests.
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