What is the Origin of Age Acceleration?

The concept stems from the field of gerontology and is heavily informed by advances in epigenetics, particularly the development of "epigenetic clocks" like the Horvath clock. The term consolidates complex biological aging metrics into a single, clinically actionable variable for longevity research and personalized medicine.

What is the Mechanism of Age Acceleration?

It is driven by cumulative cellular damage, including telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered DNA methylation patterns, which are often exacerbated by chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances. The endocrine system's gradual decline, such as decreasing growth hormone and sex steroid production, contributes significantly to this systemic acceleration of aging phenotypes.

Age Acceleration

Meaning

The quantifiable disparity where an individual’s biological age, determined by epigenetic markers and physiological function, exceeds their chronological age. This metric reflects an accelerated decline in systemic reserve and cellular integrity, indicating an increased risk for age-related morbidities. Clinically, Age Acceleration signifies a physiological state demanding immediate intervention to modulate the pace of biological decline.