Researchers are working on improved methods to determine biological age. This differs from chronological age and gives a better picture of how fast someone is ageing. The so-called “ageing clocks” use complex biological data to predict how the ageing process is progressing in the body.
Until now, these clocks have relied mainly on one type of data, such as epigenetic information. Epigenetics examines changes in genes that do not alter the DNA sequence itself, but can switch them on or off. Scientists now see opportunities to use multiple types of biological data simultaneously, making the clocks even more reliable.
Combining different data sources can provide better insight into the ageing process and potentially help with the accelerated testing of new treatments that aim to promote rejuvenation. Even so, it remains a challenge to make these techniques affordable and rapidly deployable for everyday use.
For people who want to age healthily, these developments offer hope. By knowing precisely how fast the body is ageing, one can better anticipate changes and work in a more targeted way towards a long and vital life.
Source: Reason
