Chronological Age vs. Biological Age: What’s the Difference?
AdventHealth Port Charlotte
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Jul 04, 2025
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
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Every year, we celebrate our birthdays to signify another 365 days since birth. While children are often thrilled to go up one digit in age, older adults may experience more hesitancy toward this yearly tradition. The common saying that “Age is just a number” expresses the idea that our age doesn’t determine our abilities, potential or character; rather, we can actively participate in sculpting our lives and pursuing our goals.
While chronological age is, in fact, a number that increases by one every year, your biological age can be different, whether younger or older. Keep reading to learn the difference between chronological and biological age, including how they’re determined and how to lower your biological age.
Chronological vs. Biological Age
Our chronological age refers to the amount of time that’s passed since birth. This number is what we use to document our age for passports, driver's licenses, official documentation and many other things; there’s no disputing this number. On the other hand, biological age works a little differently.
Biological age refers to how old your cells are and the overall state of your body compared to others of your chronological age. For those who lead healthy and active lives, their biological age is often younger than their chronological. For those who live sedentary lifestyles and don’t prioritize their health, their biological age is likely the same or older than their chronological age. However, this age can be determined by many lifestyle choices.
Determining Your Biological Age
In recent years, researchers have used two aspects of a person’s DNA, telomeres and DNA methylation, to determine a person’s biological age. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Telomeres
DNA strands make up our chromosomes, which carry our genetic blueprint. Telomeres are small DNA structures found at the end of each strand. They work like buffers, protecting our chromosomes from deterioration. Every time our cells divide, they become shorter. At the same time, our telomeres are getting shorter, which results in aging effects like gray hair and even some chronic illnesses.
DNA Methylation
When our cells replicate, a process known as DNA methylation often occurs. This process is when a small chemical tag called methyl is added to a DNA sequence. DNA methylation doesn’t change our genes, but it changes how they’re expressed. The amount of DNA methylation in our cells partly determines our biological age and is often associated with our lifestyle choices.
Know What Impacts Your Biological Age
While you can control some things in life, there are others you can’t. The same is true when it comes to your biological age. Many factors outside the body have a direct impact on your biological age, including:
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Diets with low nutritional value
- High-stress levels
- Sedentary lifestyles
All of these factors can make your biological age older than your chronological age, which increases your risk for various health conditions like heart disease. It’s important to know that when it comes to your health, there are certain things that you have the power to positively impact.
How to Lower Your Biological Age
As the saying goes, age is, in fact, just a number. You can potentially lower your biological age by incorporating several lifestyle changes, including:
- Eating a healthy diet: Studies show that eating a whole-food diet is ideal for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. High-nutrient diets can also lower your biological age.
- Improving sleep: If you consistently get poor sleep, this can lower your biological age over time. It’s important to prioritize your sleep duration and quality to give your body the rest it needs to function optimally.
- Managing stress: Excessive stress can cause damage to your body by having consistently elevated cortisol levels. Lowering your stress helps reduce the aging process and lets your body recover.
- Paying attention to your surroundings: Depending on where you live, work or spend significant amounts of time, you could be exposed to toxic pollutants or hazardous materials. It’s smart to remain mindful of your surroundings and be aware of what environmental toxins exist in your area.
- Quitting smoking: Research shows that smoking causes significant health problems that can lower your biological age. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being.
- Regularly exercising: The more you exercise your body, the healthier it is. People who consistently exercise typically live longer than those who lead a more sedentary life.
If you’re looking to lower your biological age, we’re here to help and provide the expert care you need in body, mind and spirit.
Leading You to a Lifetime of Wellness
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. It’s our honor to walk alongside you as you navigate your health, and we hope to guide you on a path that leads to wellness at every age.
Visit us here to learn more about our wellness care services, or find a primary care provider. You deserve a long, fulfilling life.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.adventhealth.com/blog/chronological-age-vs-biological-age-whats-difference
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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