Ageing: More Than Just a Number
Ageing is inevitable, but the rate at which we age isn’t set in stone. Imagine being able to determine your biological age —a more accurate reflection of your body’s health and longevity —rather than just relying on the number of candles on your birthday cake. This is exactly what the PhenoAge test offers: a window into the ageing process that empowers you to take control of your health.
Backed by groundbreaking biomedical research, PhenoAge testing uses clinical markers to provide a detailed snapshot of how well your body is ageing, helping you make informed decisions about your health.
For Australians, where the ageing population is growing significantly, such insights are crucial. Australia’s population aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 4.31 million in 2021 to 6.66 million by 2041, with those aged 85+ growing by 140% during this period. This demographic shift underscores the need for preventive measures to ensure healthy ageing.
Order your Biological Age test here.
What is PhenoAge Testing?
PhenoAge, short for Phenotypic Age, is a groundbreaking tool that estimates biological age based on biomarkers commonly measured in routine blood tests. Unlike chronological age, which simply counts the years you've lived, PhenoAge reflects the wear and tear on your body and predicts health outcomes like the risk of chronic disease or mortality. Developed by Dr. Morgan Levine and her team at Yale University in 2018, PhenoAge uses a mathematical model to analyse blood markers, offering a highly accurate picture of your health trajectory. Studies have shown this model outperforms traditional health metrics in predicting outcomes like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, making it an invaluable tool for proactive health management.
Order your Biological Age test here.
The Science Behind PhenoAge
The research underpinning PhenoAge is as impressive as its potential applications. In their landmark study, Levine et al. (2018) identified nine clinical biomarkers that together provide a dynamic view of ageing and health risks. These markers were validated using large cohort studies, confirming their ability to predict not just health risks but also overall lifespan more effectively than chronological age.
Subsequent research has supported these findings, with PhenoAge being adopted in clinical and wellness settings worldwide. The test has proven especially useful in identifying health risks early, giving individuals a chance to intervene before symptoms arise.
The Health Markers Behind PhenoAge
PhenoAge testing uses nine clinical markers, each of which provides valuable insight into a specific aspect of your body’s health. Here’s a breakdown of these markers and how they contribute to your results:
- Albumin - a protein produced by the liver, albumin levels reflect overall nutritional status and liver function. Low albumin is linked to inflammation and chronic disease.
- Creatinine - a waste product filtered by the kidneys, creatinine levels indicate kidney health and muscle mass. Abnormal levels can signal impaired kidney function or muscle degradation.
- Glucose - elevated fasting glucose is a marker of metabolic health and insulin resistance. It plays a significant role in ageing and the development of conditions like diabetes.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) - a key marker of systemic inflammation, high CRP levels are associated with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
- Lymphocyte Percentage - reflecting immune system health, low lymphocyte levels can indicate compromised immunity or chronic stress.
- Mean Cell Volume (MCV) - a measure of red blood cell size, MCV abnormalities may point to nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12 or folate) or anaemia, both of which can impact overall health.
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) - RDW measures the variation in red blood cell size. Higher variability is linked to inflammation and an increased risk of chronic disease.
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC) - an indicator of immune function and inflammation, WBC levels that are too high or too low can signal underlying health issues.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) - an enzyme linked to bone and liver health, elevated levels may indicate conditions affecting the liver, bones, or bile ducts. These markers are carefully weighted in the PhenoAge algorithm to estimate your biological age and provide a comprehensive view of your overall health.
How Each Marker Contributes to Biological Age
Each biomarker plays a role in one or more physiological processes central to ageing, such as inflammation, metabolism, immune function, or organ health. For example:
- CRP is heavily associated with chronic inflammation, a key driver of ageing and age-related diseases.
- Albumin and Creatinine reflect organ function and resilience, with abnormalities signalling declining health.
- Glucose is a window into metabolic health, and its dysregulation accelerates ageing processes.
By analysing these markers together, PhenoAge provides a dynamic picture of your health trajectory, allowing for earlier interventions than traditional health metrics might suggest.
A Holistic View of Ageing
Ageing isn’t just about the number of years you’ve lived—it’s about how well your body is functioning. Chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and immune system decline are just a few of the processes that accelerate ageing. Understanding your biological age can be an incredible tool. Armed with this information, you can:
- Identify Early Health Risks - PhenoAge can highlight potential health risks years before symptoms appear, enabling earlier lifestyle or medical interventions.
- Personalised Health Strategies - Knowing your biological age empowers you to take targeted actions, such as improving your diet, reducing systemic inflammation, or managing stress.
- Track Progress Over Time - Regular testing allows you to monitor changes in your biological age, giving you feedback on how your lifestyle adjustments are impacting your health.
- Stay Ahead of Chronic Disease - With its strong predictive power, PhenoAge testing can help you reduce your risk of age-related diseases by addressing key contributing factors early.
Find Out Your Biological Age Today
PhenoAge testing provides a powerful lens into your biological ageing process, helping you understand not just how old you are, but how healthy you are. By focusing on actionable clinical markers and rooted in rigorous science, this test can equip you with the knowledge to make meaningful changes in your health journey.
Whether you’re looking to optimise your health, prevent disease, or simply age gracefully, PhenoAge testing is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to take control of their health. Learn more about PhenoAge testing here and start your journey towards a healthier you today.
