The 5 Scientific Methods That Identify the True Biological Age of the Human Body
- Methods for Measuring Biological Age
- Facial Age Perception
- One-Leg Balance Test
- Fitness Age
- High-Frequency Hearing Test
- Epigenetic and Blood Analyses
Biological Age Assesses
Biological age evaluates the body’s internal state, surpassing the limitations of chronological years (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Chronological age, marked by the passage of years, does not always reflect the body’s real condition. The concept of biological age, which assesses internal wear in line with health and vitality parameters, has captured public attention in media contexts. This was evident when Khloé Kardashian announced on television that an epigenetic test revealed she had a biological age of 28, as opposed to her chronological 40. Such interest points to a growing curiosity about methods that more accurately measure the ageing process, a subject addressed by Science Focus with input from a specialist.
Biological age is not just a number; it’s an indicator of the functional state of our organism compared with people of various ages. According to Andrew Steele—scientist, writer, and author of the book Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old—this approach provides a more accurate view of health and ageing than the mere count of years.
The concept evolved from intuition to scientific basis. For example, research showed that appearance can be a surprisingly reliable indicator of biological age. A study of twins over the age of 70 found that those who looked younger had a significantly higher probability of surviving longer than their siblings. This finding clarifies that biological processes are tied to the overall deterioration of the body.
The development of tools to measure biological age advanced in various directions. Methods such as epigenetic clocks, functional analyses, or physical tests aim to give people a clearer perspective on current health and life expectancy. Yet, as Steele points out, these measurements are not only a scientific curiosity but also an opportunity to make decisions that foster healthy ageing.
Methods for Measuring Biological Age
Interest in determining biological age has driven the development of diverse methods, ranging from simple physical observations to advanced epigenetic analyses. Using these tools, researchers seek to offer a more detailed assessment of the body’s state and its ageing process. Below are the five most prominent approaches:
- Facial Age Perception
A significant reflection of biological age can be appearance, since the processes that break down collagen in the skin also affect arteries, bones, and other internal tissues. However, methods to measure facial age must be objective, as self-perception can be imprecise. Evaluation panels and AI-based applications offer alternatives, though the latter also present data-management risks. As a preventative measure, protecting skin from the sun is vital for preserving collagen and reducing the impact of external ageing. - One-Leg Balance Test
The ability to maintain balance on one leg—known as the unipedal stance test—is a functional indicator of biological age. This simple exercise assesses neuromuscular coordination, muscle strength, and balance, crucial factors in preventing falls (one of the main causes of disability in older adults). To perform the test, one measures the time a person can stand on one foot with arms crossed and, if necessary, eyes closed. Studies have shown that performance tends to decrease with age.
- Fitness Age
VO2 max measures the maximum oxygen consumption during exercise and is one of the most widely used indicators for estimating biological age. This measurement, which requires laboratory tests or portable devices, directly correlates with cardiovascular health and longevity. Regular exercise can improve VO2 max, helping maintain a lower biological age. As Andrew Steele mentioned in the article, it is more relevant to observe the long-term trend of this indicator rather than a single result. - High-Frequency Hearing Test
The ability to hear high-frequency sounds diminishes with age due to the progressive loss of sensory cells in the inner ear. Those who cannot detect frequencies above 11,000 Hz often have an auditory age over 50. Moreover, hearing loss is associated with risks of social isolation and cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of early detection.
- Epigenetic and Blood Analyses
The most advanced methods of measuring biological age include epigenetic clocks such as Horvath’s, which examine modifications in DNA to determine the rate of ageing. These analyses can predict disease risks and premature mortality, yet they still face challenges regarding practical usefulness. Blood tests, meanwhile, offer another way to estimate biological age by measuring common markers.