Measuring aging: what is your physiological age?

Physiological age, a measure of aging

Physiological age and chronological age are two different things. Chronological age is determined from the date of birth, and despite what we might think, it does not reflect our “real” age. Our physiological age, also called biological or functional age, is the one that shows the real biological state of a person.

The physiological age of a person can be higher or lower than their chronological age, since aging is not only limited to time, but is in fact a complex process with multiple causes. The evolution of aging can be modulated by internal as well as external factors: genetics, diet, environment, mental health… Knowing your physiological age allows you to better understand the life patterns that have an impact on aging, which in turn allows us to act accordingly to limit its effects.

Measuring aging: towards a new field of metrology

Metrology is the science of measurements. The metrology of aging concerns any technique that allows to determine the degree and speed of aging of an individual. It can mean identifying and quantifying biological and genetic markers, checking physical capabilities, or observing the physical signs linked to aging.

Although the metrology of aging has not yet reached its peak, many techniques already allow us to determine the physiological age of an individual.

What are the different methods for measuring aging?

Sometimes, these methods are hardly innovative and are based on well-known scientific facts that are well recognized within the scientific community. They go from the simplest study of a person’s body to the detailed analysis of many physical capabilities and biological traits (Cartographie Physiologique®, Daniel Belsky’s 18 markers…) Many others are real scientific revolutions and call upon technologies that allow the precise identification and measurement of biomarkers that are specific to aging (telomere length, XRGenomics®, DNA methylation levels…) Each has its pros and cons, this review compares the existing methods of aging metrology.