What is the Origin of System Resilience Index?

This term is a synthesis derived from engineering principles and applied to systems biology and preventive medicine, reflecting a shift from measuring disease to quantifying health and vitality. It is rooted in the concept of allostasis, the process of achieving stability through physiological change, and the need to measure the cost of that adaptation. The index aims to provide a single, actionable score for biological aging.

What is the Mechanism of System Resilience Index?

The index is calculated by assessing the dynamic response and recovery kinetics of key regulatory systems, such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV), the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), and glucose tolerance following a challenge. A system with high resilience exhibits a prompt, proportional response to the stressor and a swift return to equilibrium. Chronic stress or metabolic dysfunction degrades this capacity, leading to a measurable decline in the index and increased vulnerability to disease.

System Resilience Index ∞ Area

System Resilience Index

Meaning

The System Resilience Index is a conceptual, composite metric designed to quantify the overall capacity of an individual’s physiological systems, particularly the hormonal and metabolic networks, to maintain stability and rapidly return to baseline following a significant internal or external stressor. It serves as a measure of biological robustness and adaptive capacity, distinguishing between a system that merely functions and one that thrives under perturbation. A high index suggests superior homeostatic control and longevity potential.