Not everyone ages the same way. While your chronological age is just a number, your biological age reveals the true wear and tear on your body.
Here are some key insights that may change how you think about getting older.
You can be biologically 20 years younger
While your birthday tells you how long you've been alive, your biological age reflects how well your body is functioning.
With the right lifestyle, some people are as much as two decades younger biologically than their chronological age.
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Biological age progresses at an uneven pace
Unlike the calendar, biological aging doesn't follow a fixed rhythm.
Life events, illnesses, or major stress can suddenly accelerate the aging process, while stability and health can slow it down.
Your genes don't decide everything
Only 10–30 % of your lifespan is inherited.
Most of the aging process is influenced by lifestyle, environment, and personal experiences — like what you eat, how much you exercise, and even your family’s habits.
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A slower biological clock means fewer age-related diseases
The faster your biological age increases, the higher your risk of conditions like dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
Slowing the process even slightly can significantly reduce these risks.
"70 is the new 50" is true – but not for everyone
Modern lifestyles have helped many stay healthier longer, with older generations showing improved mobility and cognitive abilities.
But for those suffering from chronic illnesses, their bodies may age much faster.
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Biological age can predict survival better than your real age
In critical care, biological age often gives a more accurate prognosis than chronological age.
Knowing a patient's biological state can help healthcare professionals tailor treatments more effectively.
Common lifestyle changes can reverse biological aging
Simple habits like regular exercise, eating a plant-based diet, and avoiding processed foods can significantly lower your biological age.
Even cutting calories slightly has shown to be beneficial.
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Chronic diseases can rapidly age your body
People suffering from heart disease, kidney failure, or diabetes often age biologically faster than their peers.
However, with proper treatment — including medication — the process can sometimes be slowed or partially reversed.
Stress and trauma leave lasting biological marks
Major stressors, such as depression or even natural disasters, can accelerate aging dramatically.
Your organs don’t age at the same pace
Different parts of your body may be older or younger biologically.
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For example, studies have shown that women’s breasts often age faster than the rest of the body — possibly explaining higher rates of breast cancer.
This article is based on information from Forskning.se.