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Every year, we celebrate our birthdays to signify another 365 days since birth. While children are often thrilled to go up one digit in age, older adults may experience more hesitancy toward this yearly tradition. The common saying that “Age is just a number” expresses the idea that our age doesn’t determine our abilities, potential or character; rather, we can actively participate in sculpting our lives and pursuing our goals.
While chronological age is, in fact, a number that increases by one every year, your biological age can be different, whether younger or older. Keep reading to learn the difference between chronological and biological age, including how they’re determined and how to lower your biological age.
Our chronological age refers to the amount of time that’s passed since birth. This number is what we use to document our age for passports, driver's licenses, official documentation and many other things; there’s no disputing this number. On the other hand, biological age works a little differently.
Biological age refers to how old your cells are and the overall state of your body compared to others of your chronological age. For those who lead healthy and active lives, their biological age is often younger than their chronological. For those who live sedentary lifestyles and don’t prioritize their health, their biological age is likely the same or older than their chronological age. However, this age can be determined by many lifestyle choices.
In recent years, researchers have used two aspects of a person’s DNA, telomeres and DNA methylation, to determine a person’s biological age. Let’s take a closer look at each.
DNA strands make up our chromosomes, which carry our genetic blueprint. Telomeres are small DNA structures found at the end of each strand. They work like buffers, protecting our chromosomes from deterioration. Every time our cells divide, they become shorter. At the same time, our telomeres are getting shorter, which results in aging effects like gray hair and even some chronic illnesses.
When our cells replicate, a process known as DNA methylation often occurs. This process is when a small chemical tag called methyl is added to a DNA sequence. DNA methylation doesn’t change our genes, but it changes how they’re expressed. The amount of DNA methylation in our cells partly determines our biological age and is often associated with our lifestyle choices.
While you can control some things in life, there are others you can’t. The same is true when it comes to your biological age. Many factors outside the body have a direct impact on your biological age, including:
All of these factors can make your biological age older than your chronological age, which increases your risk for various health conditions like heart disease. It’s important to know that when it comes to your health, there are certain things that you have the power to positively impact.
As the saying goes, age is, in fact, just a number. You can potentially lower your biological age by incorporating several lifestyle changes, including:
If you’re looking to lower your biological age, we’re here to help and provide the expert care you need in body, mind and spirit.
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. It’s our honor to walk alongside you as you navigate your health, and we hope to guide you on a path that leads to wellness at every age.
Visit us here to learn more about our wellness care services, or find a primary care provider. You deserve a long, fulfilling life.
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