What’s Your Biological Age

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Here’s what I’ve learned about my biological age now at 75. Using GlycanAge testing, I’ve got more insight into my inside health.

Define Biological Age

Biological age refers to a measure of how well your body is functioning relative to your chronological age (the actual number of years you’ve lived). It takes into account various factors.

Test Biological Age

Testing for biological age involves assessing various biomarkers that reflect your body’s overall health and aging process. Several methods can help determine your biological age. 

1. DNA Methylation (Epigenetic Clock Tests)

• Measures chemical changes to DNA that influence gene activity over time.
• Examples: Horvath’s Clock, GrimAge, DunedinPACE.
• Requires a blood, saliva, or tissue sample.

2. Telomere Length Test

• Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age.
• Shorter telomeres are linked to aging and disease.
• Done via blood sample analysis.

3. Blood Biomarker Tests

• Measures levels of inflammation (CRP), cholesterol, glucose, insulin resistance, kidney/liver function, and immune markers.
• Example: GlycanAge testing does this by measuring the glycan changes in blood, which reflect aging.

4. Metabolic and Fitness Tests

• VO2 max test (cardiovascular fitness).
• Grip strength test (muscular health).
• Walking speed & reaction time (neuromuscular aging).

5. Skin and Facial Age Analysis

• AI-based assessments use skin elasticity, wrinkles, and other facial features to estimate aging.

6. Gut Microbiome Testing

• Assesses gut bacteria diversity, which plays a role in aging and immune function.

7. Comprehensive Aging Index Tests

• Services like TruAge, Index by Elysium, and InsideTracker offer biological age testing using a combination of biomarkers.

Blood Test for Biological Age

I chose to use the biomarker testing of glycans for an indication of my current biological age. 

The GlycanAge test determines biological age by analyzing glycans—complex sugar molecules attached to proteins, which play a crucial role in immune function and inflammation.

How GlycanAge Measures Biological Age

1. Glycans and Inflammation:

   • Glycans are attached to immunoglobulin G (IgG), a key immune system protein.
   • Changes in glycan patterns reflect levels of chronic inflammation, a major driver of aging.

2. Blood Sample Analysis:

   • A small blood sample is taken (finger-prick or venous blood draw).
   • The glycan composition of IgG is analyzed in a lab.
   • Pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory glycan patterns are assessed.

3. Calculation of Biological Age:

   • The test compares your glycan profile to a database of thousands of individuals.
   • A higher presence of pro-inflammatory glycans suggests accelerated aging.
   • The result provides your biological age, which may be higher or lower than your chronological age based on inflammation levels.

Chronological Age vs Biological Age

Unlike chronological age, which increases at a fixed rate, biological age can be influenced by lifestyle choices and medical interventions.

A lower biological age compared to chronological age often indicates better overall health and longevity.

Glycanage

GlycanAge is unique because unlike DNA methylation-based aging tests (e.g., epigenetic clocks), GlycanAge measures reversible factors related to lifestyle, diet, and stress.

GlycanAge also reflects real-time aging status, meaning improvements in lifestyle can lower your GlycanAge over time.

Biological Age Test

The GlycanAge test is considered a reliable and scientifically backed method for assessing biological age, particularly in relation to chronic inflammation and immune system aging. However, like all biological age tests, its reliability depends on context and purpose.

Here are the strengths of GlycanAge testing:

✅ Based on Scientific Research

• Glycan changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) are well-studied biomarkers of aging and inflammation.
• Studies show glycans predict biological aging and chronic disease risk.

✅ Reflects Lifestyle and Health Status

• Unlike DNA methylation (which is more genetic and fixed), glycans are modifiable by diet, stress, and lifestyle.
• If you improve your habits (e.g., reduce stress, eat anti-inflammatory foods), GlycanAge can decrease, showing real-time progress.

✅ Correlates with Chronic Inflammation

• Since chronic inflammation accelerates aging, GlycanAge is valuable for identifying hidden inflammation-related aging risks.

[Complete Hip Replacement November 2023]

Blood Age Test

So what’s the bottom line on this GlycanAge testing for biological age estimates. In a nutshell:

🔹 Highly reliable for assessing immune aging, inflammation, and lifestyle effects on aging.
🔹 Less comprehensive than epigenetic or multi-biomarker tests for full-body aging.
🔹 Best used alongside other biological age tests (e.g., DNA methylation, telomere length, metabolic testing) for a complete picture.

[Ally & Pop love to dance!]

Glycanage Test

Overall, for my purposes, GlycanAge testing allowed me to have a more scientific biomarker of what’s happening in my body and how my body is aging using inflammaging or measuring chronic inflammation in my system. Like other blood testing biomarkers, cholesterol, lipids, glucose levels, etc., it helps guide me to make better lifestyle choices going forward. 

Why is it important for me to know how these glycans, or little health detectives in my system, are working? Well, here’s why:

• The composition of glycans changes as we age, especially in immune system proteins like IgG antibodies.
• More pro-inflammatory glycans = higher biological age (linked to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis).
• Anti-inflammatory glycans help maintain youthful immune function and reduce aging effects

So what was my BIOLOGICAL AGE? With this testing in November 2024, my biological age of 50 was 25 years less than my chronological age. I was pretty pleased with that. 

But, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to work on or that I can kick back and relax. No, I learned several things that I can do to nurture my longevity as a result of this testing. 

And, rest assured that because bio age using glycan testing is highly correlated with lifestyle choices, I’ve got to continue doing what’s good for my body, mind and soul. 

From eating close to the Earth and eating the ‘rainbow’ to exercise, social interations, healthy sleep and more! 

It’s never ending. For me, the first step in slowing love to my spouse and family is loving myself and taking care of myself. 

And, nothing says, “I love you.” more than wanting more active vibrant years together!  xoxx ally