Staying Biologically Older Over Time Tied to Higher Death Risk
Graded Moderate — more than 90,000 adults were followed for almost 14 years; as an observational study, it shows a link, not cause and effect.
- Design
- Prospective cohort study
- Participants
- 90,632
- Duration
- 13.8 years
- Funding
- Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport; Ministry of Economic Affairs; UMC…
People whose biological age stayed ahead of their real age over several years had a 39 percent higher risk of dying.
Some people are biologically older than their birth date suggests. In a large Dutch study, these people had a higher risk of dying. The link was clearest for those whose biological head start persisted over the years.
Researchers followed 90,632 adults in the Lifelines study for a median of almost 14 years. They used medical measurements to calculate a biological age for each person. Those whose biological age ran more than a year ahead of their real age had a 31 percent higher risk of death. The comparison group had a biological age close to their real age. The analysis accounted for age, sex, socioeconomic status and lifestyle.
For 25,752 participants, a second measurement came about four years later. People who stayed biologically older throughout had a 39 percent higher risk of dying than those who stayed in the normal range. A faster yearly rise in biological age was also tied to higher risk. The authors see this as support for repeated checks. Whether slowing biological aging adds years cannot be read from these observational data.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.