A measurable estimate of an individual’s functional health and biological decline, determined by the cumulative status of various biomarkers, independent of their chronological age. This metric reflects the true rate of aging at the cellular and systemic level, incorporating factors such as telomere length, epigenetic clocks, cardiovascular health, and hormonal profile. It serves as a powerful clinical tool to assess the efficacy of longevity interventions and motivate health-promoting behaviors.
Origin
The concept of differentiating between chronological time and biological function has been a long-standing goal in gerontology. The term “physiological age” gained prominence with the development of increasingly sophisticated biomarkers, particularly epigenetic clocks, which allow for a more precise, molecular-level quantification of the aging process.
Mechanism
Physiological age is mechanistically calculated by algorithms that weigh the influence of various biological indicators, such as blood pressure, bone density, metabolic panel results, and the ratio of key hormones like DHEA to cortisol. These indicators collectively reflect the efficiency of cellular repair processes and the accumulation of damage. A younger physiological age suggests robust homeostatic capacity, low allostatic load, and an endocrine system that is functioning more youthfully than the chronological years would imply.
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