Your chronological age – the number of birthdays you’ve celebrated – doesn’t always reflect your true health and longevity. A more accurate measure is your biological age, which is influenced by lifestyle, environment, and nutritional choices. Remarkably, studies suggest that your biological age can differ by as much as 20-25 years from your chronological age. Some 40 years olds can have a biological age of 65, and some 65 years olds can have a biological age of 40.  This means the quality and length of your life are not dictated solely by your genes; in fact, it’s estimated that 80% of your longevity is within your control

Learning from the Blue Zones

Recent interest in longevity “Blue Zones” regions across the globe with the highest concentration of centenarians, has highlighted how lifestyle, nutrition, and environment shape healthy ageing. The residents of these areas benefit from some genetic advantages, but their remarkable longevity is largely attributed to their daily habits, including nutrient-dense diets, strong community connections, physical activity, and low stress levels. This insight reinforces the idea that the choices we make can have a profound impact on how we age.

Your Musculoskeletal System: A Cornerstone of Healthy Ageing

Having a strong skeleton and muscles is critical for maintaining mobility, balance, and independence as we age. As we grow older, the natural loss of bone density, muscle mass, and balance can lead to frailty, falls, and fractures – which can significantly diminish our quality of life and longevity. We have also become more sedentary and less active due to our modern lifestyles. However, these declines are not inevitable. By proactively strengthening your bones, muscles, and joints, you can dramatically improve your biological age and reduce the risks associated with ageing.

The Role of Osteogenic Loading in Healthy Ageing

Programs like OsteoStrong^® offer a revolutionary approach to musculoskeletal health through osteogenic loading, a scientifically proven method that applies safe, high-intensity forces to bones and muscles. This approach has been shown to:

• Increase Bone Density: Reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Improve Muscle Strength: Enhancing mobility and physical performance.
• Enhance Balance and Coordination: Lowering the likelihood of falls.
• Support Metabolic Health: Improving glucose regulation and overall energy levels.
• Reduce joint and back pain: Enhances mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Unlike traditional gyms and other exercise, OsteoStrong^® sessions are quick, low-impact, and tailored to individual needs, making them accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. Plus, because only one session per week is required which delivers consistent results, OsteoStrong^® members always maintain high participation rates.

By focusing on the root causes of age-related decline, osteogenic loading helps you stay strong, agile, and independent well into your later years.

Can We Measure Our Biological Age?

There are many methods available to determine your biological age, including medical tests that can assess cellular, metabolic, and physical health markers. For those people more interested in finding out their biological age, these are some of the tests available:

1. DNA and Cellular Aging: Epigenetic clock (DNA methylation) and telomere length tests.
2. Metabolic and Hormonal Health: Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, cortisol, and sex hormone levels.
3. Inflammatory Markers: CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α for systemic inflammation.
4. Cardiovascular Health: VO2 maximum, Arterial stiffness`(pulse wave velocity test), and blood pressure.
5. Bone and Muscle Health: Bone density (EchoLight or DEXA) and hand grip strength.
6. Balance: BTrackS Balance Plate test
7. Body Composition: Fat percentage, muscle mass, and resting metabolic rate.
8. Skin and Collagen Health: Skin elasticity and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
9. Gut Health: Microbiome diversity testing.
10. Neurological Health: Cognitive function tests and brain scans.
11. Comprehensive Biomarkers: Blood panels and mitochondrial function tests.

Although there is no “gold standard” test for biological age, all these tests can provide better insights into your true health and aging process, compared to simply counting the number of candles on your birthday cake.

Take Control of Your Ageing 

The science is clear: your health and longevity are not set in stone. By prioritising lifestyle factors that positively influence your biological age – such as maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, and leveraging innovative programs like OsteoStrong^® – you can set the foundation for a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. The candles on your birthday cake may mark your chronological age, but the strength of your body and vitality of your spirit are the true markers of how well you’re ageing.

Take charge of your biological age today and give your future self the gift of a strong, healthy, and fulfilling life.