Most of us think of age as just a number. But why do some people appear to age slowly and others seem to be older than their calendar age?. This is where epigenetic age comes in.
Epigenetic age gives us a look at how old your body really is on the inside, what is called your biological age. It is based on changes to your DNA that happen over time and can be influenced by things like stress, sleep, diet, and exercise. Two people who are both 50 years old chronologically could have very different epigenetic ages. One might have the biological profile of a 40-year-old, while the other’s body might look more like that of someone who is 60.
How Is Epigenetic Age Measured?
Your DNA itself does not change much throughout your life, but how it is expressed does. That is what scientists call epigenetics, the chemical tags that form a record of how much certain genes are turned on or off. These tags accumulate over time and are affected by your environment and habits.
Epigenetic age testing looks at these changes using a small blood or saliva sample. From that, labs can estimate your “biological age,” or how your body is aging. The difference between your epigenetic and chronological ages can tell you a lot about your long-term health outlook.
For example, if your biological age is lower than your chronological age, it might mean your current lifestyle is helping slow down aging. But if it is higher, it could be a sign that things like chronic stress, poor sleep, or inflammation are taking a toll.
Why Does Epigenetic Age Matter?
Epigenetic age is important because it is linked to overall health, not just how old you look or feel. Studies show that people whose biological age is higher than their chronological age tend to face greater risks for things like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
The good news is that, unlike your chronological age, your epigenetic age can change.
Can You Slow Down Epigenetic Aging?
Yes, to some extent – and even reversed. While there is no universal magic formula, lifestyle forms the foundation. Certain habits have been shown to support healthier aging at the genetic level, such as:
- Staying physically active
- Getting enough quality sleep
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
- Managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation
- Eating a diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugar
Even small improvements in daily habits can make a real difference over time. Beyond that, interventions such as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange have the potential to reverse epigenetic age.
Should You Get an Epigenetic Age Test?
If you are curious about your body’s aging process, an epigenetic test can be a great starting point. It does not diagnose disease, but it can give you insight into how well your current longevity strategy is serving you and where you might want to make changes. Importantly, it provides a validated measure of your progress.
Call Us To Learn More About the Differences Between Epigenetic Age and Chronological Age
The difference between epigenetic age and chronological age is that chronological age tells you how long you have been alive, while epigenetic age tells you how well your body has been keeping up. Understanding both can help you make smarter choices for your health and well-being. If you are interested in learning your biological age and what it means for you, we can help you get started. Get in touch with our office today.
