Biological vs. Chronological Age: The Truth
When people think about age, they usually focus on the number of candles on a birthday cake. But science is showing us that our “real” age may be something entirely different—and much more important.
Your chronological age is simply how many years you’ve been alive. Your biological age, on the other hand, is how well your body is actually functioning. It’s a measure of how your cells, organs, and systems are aging. And the two numbers can be very different.
We see this clearly in studies with identical twins. Even though they share the same DNA, twins who live different lifestyles can age at dramatically different rates. One may smoke, the other doesn’t. One eats well and exercises, the other doesn’t. Over time, one twin may look and feel years older, even though they were born on the same day.
That’s because aging is not just about time. It’s about biology.
Scientists have identified around twelve different processes in the body that cause aging. These are called the "hallmarks of aging." One of the most studied is DNA methylation. Think of it like a control panel that decides which genes turn on or off. This is one reason someone born with a gene for Alzheimer’s might not develop the disease until much later—or not at all—depending on how that gene is regulated over time.
A great way to understand this is with a piano metaphor. Your genetics is the piano. But how you play it—the rhythm, the pressure, the technique—is your lifestyle. And that’s what shapes how your body ages.
The best part? This means you have a say in the process. You can influence your biological age with choices you make every day.
The speaker in the podcast shares a powerful example: even though he’s 56 years old, his biological age was measured at just 36. That’s a 20-year difference, achieved not through expensive treatments, but through daily habits that support his body’s natural systems.
Biological age can be measured in a number of ways: how strong your grip is, how well your organs are functioning, or how your cells are performing. These markers tend to move together—when one starts to decline, others often follow. But with the right lifestyle, we can keep these systems strong and delay the aging process.
This idea shifts the conversation from fear of aging to ownership over it. Aging isn’t something that just “happens to us.” It’s something we participate in. And that’s empowering.
Even better? You don’t need to be rich to benefit from this science. You don’t need access to elite clinics or futuristic treatments. What really moves the needle is simple and accessible: nutritious food, regular movement, quality sleep, stress reduction, and meaningful relationships.
It’s not just about living longer. It’s about living better. Healthspan—the number of years you live in good health—is the new goal. And the good news is, it's something we can all work toward, starting right now.