What is Biological Age?
Biological age is an estimate of how old your body appears to be based on cellular and physiological markers, rather than the number of years since you were born. Two people of the same birth date can have very different biological ages depending on health, genetics and lifestyle.
It stands in contrast to chronological age, which only counts calendar years and never changes course. Biological age tries to read the wear and repair happening inside cells, drawing on signals such as cellular senescence, declining NAD+ and the health of the mitochondria that power each cell. This is why longevity research pays it far more attention than the birthday count.
It appeals to people who want a way to track whether their habits are helping or ageing them faster. The catch is that there is no single agreed test, and different clocks, whether based on DNA methylation or blood markers, can disagree with each other. A result is an estimate, not a verdict, and chasing a lower number can distract from the basics of sleep, movement and diet.
For one lever often discussed in this space, NMN is studied for its role in supporting NAD+ as we grow older.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from chronological age?
Chronological age simply counts the years since birth and moves at a fixed pace for everyone. Biological age tries to reflect the actual condition of your cells and tissues, so it can be higher or lower than your calendar age.
Who uses it, or when is it the right choice?
People focused on healthy ageing use biological age markers to gauge the effect of lifestyle changes over time. It suits anyone who wants feedback beyond how they feel day to day.
When is it the WRONG choice?
It is a poor choice if you expect a precise, medical grade figure, since tests vary and are still being validated. Treating a single reading as fact can lead to unnecessary worry or spending.