Welcome to True Biological Aging ™
Introduction:
True Biological Aging, is a not-for-profit organization presenting knowledge and the understanding of the latest, ever-evolving, scientific developments in the field of measuring a person’s biological age and how well they are aging.
This science-based website is an ongoing project and the most recent and credible research in this rapidly emerging field is posted here as it becomes verifiable.
While the science of biological aging can be measured at any adult age, the focus herein is on mature adults. An older adult’s biological age typically varies sustainably from their chronological age.
Biological age:
“The age of a person’s body subject to alterations, predicated on lifestyle conditions and behaviors.”
Or, “The age of one’s body based upon their overall health, utilizing the latest scientific methodologies and DNA which incorporate cellular, molecular, and functional markers.”
Or more simply stated, the true age of a person based upon their overall health and fitness.
One’s biological age may vary little or it may vary dramatically, from vastly younger to vastly older than their chronological age. Heredity, genetics, lifestyle, environmental factors, and DNA methylation contribute to one’s true biological age.
Chronological age:
Chronological age is simply measured by birth year, which of course is immutable. Until recently, chronological age was simplistically considered one’s true and only age. However, this simplistic concept is undergoing a paradigm shift as the science of biological aging transcends mere calendar years. It is rapidly gaining credence in the scientific community as a person’s true and most accurate age.
Technological advancements in testing and analyzing DNA markers have thrust it to the forefront and it has become a recognized predictor of overall health, lifespan, disease, and morality far beyond that of chronological age.
Epigenetic aging:
Epigenetic aging is in essence, synonymous with biological aging. Similarly, epigenetic aging is based upon DNA methylation patterns and the same predominant factors applicable to biological aging apply. The age variant between a person’s chronological age and their epigenetic, or biological age, is referred to as EpiAge.
Aging and disease:
It is scientifically indisputable that most long-term diseases accelerate a person’s aging process. If a disease-afflicted person received treatment that effectively slowed down the progression of their disease it follows that they are subsequently slowing their own aging process at that point in time.
Those fortunate enough to arrest and completely recover from a disease, have indeed altered their own aging process. Thus, it is concludable that human beings have a degree of control over their own aging process.
Can a person’s biological age actually be reversed?
In the previous example, those who were cured of a disease actually did in fact, reduce their biological age, thus increasing their lifespan. Therefore, science demonstrates that modern humans do possess some ability to modify and even reverse their biological age.
Human lifespan: Most simplistically stated, it is the length of time a human being exists.
Lifestyle and biological aging:
Herein, lifestyle is simply defined as all the various factors that may affect a person’s biological age. Heredity and the genetics that a person is born with are unalterable and thus exempt. The lifestyle factors that may be alterable include, but are not limited to:
Acceptance of self and limitations
Appreciation, thankfulness
Companionship and friendship
Diet, food and drink consumption
Environmental conditions and air quality
Exercise
Family ties
Hydration, water consumption
Life’s stressors
Meaningful work
Peacefulness
Plant-based smoke/vapors
Pleasurable activities
Relaxation
Religion or higher-power
Sleep and sleeping patterns*
*Within a significant segment of the scientific community, adequate, restful, sleep is prominently emerging as one of the preeminent factors that contribute to overall health, fitness, longevity, and reduced biological aging.
Conclusion:
This cursory introduction to biological aging is intended to stimulate interest into this fascinating subject and its potential benefits to all who dare to explore the possibilities of lowering their biological age and living a healthier, happier, longer, and more satisfying life.
Postscript:
As previously stated, there will be much more to follow. Meanwhile, should you desire “Links” to ongoing research and studies in this fascinating field of science, simply request them.
Additionally, should you desire a list of creditable laboratories that conduct biological age testing and measure your true biological age via DNA samples, simply request them.
Well Wishes,
Arthur