How Old Are You, Really?

You're 40 years old, but is your body actually 40? Or is it secretly 35? Or maybe 48?

Phenotypic age is an estimate of your biological age — a measure of how well (or poorly) your body organs are aging compared to others born the same year as you. Unlike your chronological age (what your driving license says), phenotypic age reflects your actual cellular health and aging rate.

The Science Behind It

In 2018, researcher Morgan Levine and her team at the University of Yale published a breakthrough study [1]. They analyzed data from 9,926 adults to identify which blood biomarkers best predict mortality risk — essentially, which markers tell us how fast someone's body is aging.

The result? A formula using just 9 blood biomarkers plus your chronological age that can estimate your "phenotypic age" — a powerful predictor of lifespan and disease risk.

The 9 biomarkers measure key systems in your body:

When these markers are out of balance, your body is aging faster than it should. The good news? Many of these markers can be improved through lifestyle changes.

Why This Matters

Phenotypic age is more than a fun number — it's a wake-up call. Studies show it predicts:

• Mortality risk: Better predictor than chronological age alone
• Disease risk: Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more
• Physical function: How well your body performs everyday tasks

The best part? You can take action. Knowing your phenotypic age gives you a baseline. Track it over time, make changes, and watch your biological age improve.

📚 Reference

[1] Levine, M. E., et al. (2018). An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan. Aging, 10(4), 573-591. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101414