Scientists have developed a new method to map the body's ageing better. They use detailed images of the retina, the part at the back of the eye, to determine biological age. This is referred to as an ageing clock. This clock appears to be correlated with our bone health.
Research shows that a higher ‘eye age’ is associated with a greater risk of bone thinning, also known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become more brittle and break more easily. Measuring ageing via the eye could therefore be a simple way to identify the risk of bone problems at an early stage.
The research builds on the idea that many ageing processes in the body are interconnected. By looking at an organ other than the bone itself, doctors gain an additional tool to monitor the ageing process. This can help in providing lifestyle advice and implementing treatments to mitigate the effects of ageing.
For anyone who attaches importance to healthy ageing, this is an encouraging development. It demonstrates that new techniques make it possible to better understand ageing and take action in good time. In this way, we can keep our bones stronger and continue doing activities for longer.
Source: Reason
