Chronological vs. Biological Age
The distinction between calendar age (years since birth) and functional age (physiological state of the body).
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The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Data suggests correlations, not diagnoses. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions based on biomarker data.
Chronological age is fixed — it advances one year per year for everyone. Biological age, however, varies dramatically between individuals of the same chronological age. A landmark study by Belsky et al. (2015) in the Dunedin cohort found that among 38-year-olds, biological ages ranged from under 30 to over 60. This gap — the 'bio-age delta' — is influenced by genetics (approximately 20-30%), lifestyle factors (exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress), environmental exposures, and socioeconomic conditions. The bio-age delta is increasingly recognized as a more meaningful health metric than chronological age alone, and it is the primary target for longevity interventions.— PaceSovereign Glossary
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References
- [1] Belsky DW, Caspi A, Houts R, et al.. “Quantification of biological aging in young adults.” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2015. doi:10.1073/pnas.1506264112