Researchers have developed a new measurement tool that can determine the rate of ageing more accurately. This method, called the Dunedin Pace of Aging Clock, uses data from various bodily functions to determine how fast someone is ageing. What is special is that this clock also responds to lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthily and exercising more.
Ageing clocks have existed for some time, but these were often unable to accurately indicate whether a new treatment or a healthy lifestyle actually slows down the ageing process. This is because the links between the measurement data and the underlying biological processes are not yet well understood. The new model was tested on people who adjusted their lifestyle and proved capable of observing these changes well.
The importance of such a reliable method is great. Long and expensive studies that measure whether a treatment truly results in a longer life thus become less necessary. This accelerates research into agents and measures that can slow down ageing. For people who want to age healthily themselves, this means greater insight into what their lifestyle is actually doing to their body.
Healthy lifestyle interventions thus appear to have a measurable effect on the rate of ageing. This highlights the importance of good nutrition, adequate exercise and other healthy habits. Through such changes, you can potentially slow down your biological age and stay fit for longer.
This new clock helps researchers and interested parties to better understand how lifestyle affects your health in the long term. In this way, it contributes to healthier and happier ageing.
Source: Reason
