PhenoAge Calculation is a sophisticated method of determining an individual’s biological age based on a composite score derived from nine standard clinical biomarkers and chronological age. Developed by Dr. Morgan Levine and colleagues, this calculation utilizes an algorithm trained on DNA methylation data to reflect an individual’s mortality risk more accurately than chronological age alone. The resulting PhenoAge value represents a person’s expected age based on their physiological profile, providing a powerful, actionable metric for assessing healthspan and the efficacy of longevity interventions. A lower PhenoAge relative to chronological age suggests a slower rate of biological aging.
Origin
PhenoAge emerged from the field of epigenetic aging clocks, specifically as a second-generation clock designed to be more directly correlated with healthspan and all-cause mortality. The calculation method was designed to be clinically accessible by utilizing routine blood markers (such as albumin, creatinine, glucose, and C-reactive protein) as proxies for the complex underlying methylation patterns. This accessibility allows for broader application in clinical settings.
Mechanism
The calculation’s mechanism is rooted in the biological fact that the nine constituent biomarkers—which span metabolic, inflammatory, renal, and immune function—are themselves highly correlated with age-related decline and disease risk. The algorithm statistically weights these biomarkers to best reflect the pattern of age-associated DNA methylation changes. By quantifying the systemic state of these fundamental physiological processes, the PhenoAge calculation provides a functional readout of the body’s cumulative damage and repair capacity.
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