Why You Should Know Your Biological Age (and How to Lower It)

Why You Should Know Your Biological Age (and How to Lower It)

You may be 47 on paper—but your cells might be aging like you're 60. Or 38.

Chronological age is fixed. But biological age? That’s the age your body is actually functioning at — and it’s changeable.

As a longevity-focused physician, I tell my patients this all the time: if you’re serious about prevention, performance, and living longer (but better), biological age is your scoreboard. And the best part? You can lower it.

What Exactly Is Biological Age?

Biological age measures how well your body is aging based on cellular, molecular, and physiological markers — not the number of candles on your last birthday cake.

Think of it like this: Two people could both be 50 years old. One has clear arteries, high HRV (heart rate variability), optimal glucose metabolism, and sharp cognition. The other has inflammation, insulin resistance, and sluggish detox pathways. Same age, totally different internal realities.

This is where biological age testing comes in — using tools like epigenetic clocks, glycan age, and functional biomarker panels to assess how “young” or “old” your body is acting.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Biological age is the strongest predictor of chronic disease risk, cognitive decline, and mortality — even more than your family history.

• It predicts disease onset – Accelerated biological aging is linked to earlier onset of heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and cancer.
• It guides interventions – Knowing your biological age helps tailor your treatment plan with precision. You’re not just guessing — you’re measuring progress.
• It’s motivational – Seeing your biological age drop is one of the most powerful reinforcements for behavior change.

In my concierge practice, I use biological age as a “north star” for high-performing patients who want to optimize their healthspan, not just their lifespan.

How to Lower Your Biological Age (Yes, Really)

The science is clear: you can slow—and even reverse—biological aging. Here’s how to start:

1. Master Your Metabolic Health – Insulin resistance accelerates aging. Prioritize blood sugar control through time-restricted eating, strength training, and cutting processed carbs.
2. Reduce Inflammation – Chronic low-grade inflammation ages your cells. Optimize gut health, eliminate trigger foods, and test for markers like CRP and homocysteine.
3. Support Cellular Repair – Prioritize sleep, practice intermittent fasting, and explore senolytic compounds that target “zombie cells.”
4. Exercise Smart – A blend of resistance training and zone 2 cardio improves mitochondrial function and extends healthspan.
5. Manage Stress & Cortisol – Mental stress accelerates biological aging. Build in nervous system recovery — breathwork, nature, connection, and boundaries around work.

Testing Your Biological Age

There are now multiple reliable ways to test biological age:

• Epigenetic Tests – Like the TruAge or DunedinPACE test, which assess DNA methylation patterns associated with aging.
• GlycanAge – Measures sugar molecules on antibodies that reflect immune system aging.
• Functional Panels – Advanced bloodwork that looks at inflammation, glucose control, oxidative stress, and organ function trends over time.

I use a combination of these tools depending on the patient’s goals, budget, and current health picture. But even one gives powerful insight — and motivation.

You’re Not Stuck With the Age You Have

This is the beauty of modern medicine — we can now measure and modify the rate at which we age.

So don’t settle for aging at the “average” pace. You’re not average. And neither should your longevity strategy be.

If you’re investing in your future, in your vitality, and in your impact — start here. Know your biological age. And commit to lowering it, one intentional choice at a time.