Biological Age Test: The Complete Guide

Overview: Biological Age

As we age, it’s easy to focus solely on the number of candles on our birthday cake. But what if our body is ageing at a different rate than our birth date suggests? A biological age test measures how well your body is holding up and offers insights into how lifestyle factors may be affecting your health. For anyone interested in longevity, understanding your biological age is key to optimising your wellbeing and potentially extending your lifespan.

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What is a biological age test?

A biological age test assesses the condition of your cells, tissues, and organs to estimate how old your body is functioning compared to your chronological age (the number of years you’ve been alive). The test evaluates various biomarkers—indicators like blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and even DNA methylation patterns—which give a more personalised view of how your body is ageing.

How is biological age different to chronological age?

While chronological age is simply the time that’s passed since you were born, biological age digs deeper into the state of your body. For example, two 40-year-olds might have very different biological ages based on their health, habits, and genetic factors. One might have a biological age of 35, while the other might have a biological age of 50, reflecting different rates of ageing. Biological age is influenced by lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress, and environmental exposure, offering a dynamic view of your overall health.

Why are biological age tests conducted?

Biological age tests are primarily used to assess how well a person is ageing and to identify areas of health that may need attention. These tests help you understand how your lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and stress management are impacting your ageing process. For longevity enthusiasts, it's a powerful tool for tracking and optimising health to potentially slow down or reverse aspects of ageing.

What are biological age tests designed to show you?

Biological age tests show you how old your body is acting compared to your chronological age. They provide a snapshot of your health, highlighting areas like inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic health. By understanding these factors, you can make targeted changes to improve your health and potentially reduce your biological age.

Getting Your Biological Age Measured

Can I get it done in Australia?

Yes! There are a number of providers who can determine your biological age. Most of these will require getting a blood test done and that will be included in the purchase but will be done separately.

Some providers include:

• TrueAge Epigenetic Cellular Age - $795
• Longevity Code - $550

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How much does it cost?

Costs for biological age tests in Australia can vary, depending on the type of test and the provider. The price for a comprehensive biological age test may range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the inclusions like blood panels or genetic testing.

What’s the process for getting a biological age test?

Depending on the type of test, you may be asked to provide a blood sample, undergo a physical assessment, or perform non-invasive DNA testing. Once the samples are collected, they are analysed for various biomarkers. Results are typically available within a few weeks, and you’ll receive a detailed report explaining your biological age and recommendations for improvement.

How often should you get your biological age measured?

While not a main test, it may be useful to get your biological age measured annually or every two years to create a new benchmark. Regular testing allows you to track your progress, adjust your lifestyle changes, and ensure you're on the right path to slowing down the ageing process.

Alternative to a Biological Age Test - 'Everlab Blood Test'

While you can get your biological age measured in Australia, there are a few more tangible and useful preventative programs to explore. Everlab for example offers other testing, e.g. blood tests, CGM, DEXA, to give you a holistic view of your health. The main difference here is a biological age test will indicate whether you are aging well or not, however it will not instruct you on how to improve things. At Everlab you are prescribed specific actionable protocols designed to reduce your risk of disease and improve your health as you age.

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Can I get it done online using a biological age calculator?

While Everlab does not recommend relying solely on online measures, we do offer an online calculators  that may give rough indications of your biological age or heart age.

- Heart Age Calculator (Heart Foundation)

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Understanding Your Results

What will you receive?

Your biological age test will provide you with a number that represents your body’s functional age compared to your chronological age. For example, if you're 45 years old but your biological age is 40, you're ageing more slowly than expected. In addition, you'll receive a breakdown of the various biomarkers that contribute to your biological age, including inflammation levels, metabolic health, and cardiovascular risk.

What do the results mean?

Your biological age results help you understand the areas of your health that may be ageing faster or slower. A lower biological age can indicate good metabolic function, low inflammation, and better physical fitness, while a higher biological age may flag issues such as poor cardiovascular health, high oxidative stress, or imbalances in blood sugar. These insights allow you to take action and improve your overall health and longevity.

What can you do with the results?

Unfortunately most biological age tests do not provide you with the necessary actions to improve your health. For such advice we recommend joining a preventative health or longevity program.

How accurate is the biological age test?

The tests provide an estimate based on a range of biomarkers, so while it may not pinpoint an exact age, it offers valuable insights into your overall health. The accuracy improves when combined with other assessments such as blood panels and physical health evaluations.

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What is a heart age and how is it different to biological age?

A heart age calculation is a tool used to estimate how healthy your heart is compared to your actual age. It takes into account various risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), and family history of heart disease, to give a "heart age" that might be younger or older than your actual age. The main difference between heart and biological age is the focus - heart age focuses specifically on cardiovascular health, while biological age considers the overall aging process across multiple systems in the body.

How Do I Improve My Biological Age?

Nutrition and Diet

A diet rich in whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats—provides essential nutrients that support cellular function, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health. Antioxidants found in foods such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens combat oxidative stress, a key contributor to biological ageing. Conversely, processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats can speed up the ageing process.

Physical Activity and Fitness Levels

Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy biological age. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, and enhances muscle mass—all of which contribute to a lower biological age. Studies have shown that both aerobic exercises, such as running or cycling, and resistance training can help maintain physical function and reduce age-related decline. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, can lead to accelerated ageing and increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. A VO2 max test would provide greater insights into the impact of your aerobic capacity on your biological age and overall health.

Sleep Quality and Duration

Good sleep is one of the most undervalued components of biological health. During sleep, the body repairs cells, removes toxins, and regulates hormones. Poor sleep quality or chronic sleep deprivation can lead to increased inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and impaired cognitive function, all of which can age the body prematurely. Prioritising 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night is essential for maintaining optimal biological health.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress is a major factor in biological ageing. When you're under constant stress, your body produces high levels of cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can cause inflammation, disrupt metabolic processes, and accelerate cellular ageing. Long-term stress can contribute to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health issues, all of which negatively impact biological age. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and exercise can help manage stress levels, reducing its negative effects on your body and overall health.

Genetics

Inherited traits can significantly impact biological age. Some people may have genes that predispose them to longevity or, conversely, to certain age-related diseases. However, genetics typically accounts for only a portion of how quickly or slowly you age.

Conclusion

Understanding your biological age gives you the power to take proactive steps toward optimising your health and longevity. Unlike your chronological age, biological age reflects the true state of your body, influenced by your lifestyle, genetics, and overall health. At Everlab, we help you uncover the key factors impacting your aging process and provides actionable insights to improve your wellbeing.

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