True Biological Aging

 

                                   Welcome to True Biological Aging ™

Introduction

True Biological Aging is a not-for-profit organization offering the latest knowledge and understanding of scientific developments in the ever-evolving field of measuring people’s biological age and how well they are aging.

This science-based website is an ongoing project. Our mission is to research, assess, and present—at no cost to the public—the most recent scientifically credible information on healthful longevity as it becomes verifiable.

While true biological aging can be measured at any adult age, the focus here is on mature adults. Older adults’ biological age typically varies substantially from their chronological age.

The Difference between Biological Age and Chronological Age

Our chronological age is measured from our birth date, which of course is immutable. Until recently, chronological age was considered our true and only age. However, this simplistic concept is undergoing a paradigm shift as the science of biological aging transcends mere calendar years and is rapidly gaining credence in the scientific community as a person’s true and most accurate age.

Our biological age can be defined as our age based on our overall health, utilizing the latest scientific methodologies and DNA tests that incorporate cellular, molecular, and functional markers. More simply, it’s our true age based on our overall health and fitness.

Our biological age can vary slightly or dramatically from our chronological age, from vastly younger to vastly older. Factors that contribute to our true biological age include heredity, genetics, lifestyle, environmental factors, and DNA methylation (a process that regulates the activity of our DNA).

Technological advancements in testing and analyzing DNA markers have thrust biological age to the forefront, and it has become a recognized predictor of a person’s 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 here. The age variance between our chronological age and our epigenetic, or biological, age is referred to as EpiAge.

Aging and Disease

It is scientifically indisputable that most long-term diseases accelerate the aging process. If we are ill and receive treatment that effectively slows down the progression of our disease, it follows that our aging process is also slowed.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have arrested and completely recovered from a disease have indeed altered our own aging process. Thus, it is concludable that human beings have a degree of control over their aging process.

Can a Person’s Biological Age Be Reversed?

As the above example indicates, people who are cured of a disease do in fact reduce their biological age, thus increasing their lifespan. Therefore, science demonstrates that modern humans possess some ability to modify and even reverse their biological age.

Lifestyle and Biological Aging

On this website, lifestyle is defined as all the various factors that may affect our biological age. Heredity and the genetics that we were born with are considered unalterable and thus excluded from this category. The lifestyle factors that may be alterable include, but are not limited to, the following:

·       Acceptance of self and limitations

·       Activities and balance within them

·       Appreciation and thankfulness

·       Companionship and friendship

·       Diet—food and drink consumption

·       Environmental conditions and air and water quality

·       Exercise

·       Family relationships

·       Hydration—water consumption

·       Life’s stressors

·       Meaningful work

·       Peacefulness

·       Plant-based smoke/vapors

·       Pleasurable activities

·       Relaxation

·       Religion or belief in a higher-power

·       Sleep and sleeping patterns (Note: Within a significant segment of the scientific community, adequate, restful sleep is 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 in this fascinating subject and its potential benefits to all who dare to explore the possibilities of lowering their biological age and increasing their lifespan with the goal of enjoying a healthier, happier, longer, and more satisfying life.

As stated above, more will follow as the scientific research advances. Meanwhile, if you desire links to current research and studies in this exciting field of science, we will be happy to send them to you upon request.

Also, a list of creditable laboratories that conduct biological age testing and measure your true biological age via DNA samples is available upon request.

Wishing you healthy longevity and that you awaken each morning, feeling well and being able to do and enjoy the things you like to do the most,

© Arthur MacArthur, Researcher 

True Biological Aging ™