“The Kardashians,” in its captivating season five finale on July 25, unveiled an eye-opening concept: biological age. Notable members such as Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as Kris Jenner and Scott Disick engaged with this science that blurs genetics with lifestyle choices; we examine this field further here by investigating biological age tests to assess their validity and significance.
What Is Biological Age?
Your biological age differs significantly from chronological age in that it focuses more closely on how old your body appears based on various biological markers; its popularity stems largely from recent advancements in understanding DNA methylation processes as part of what scientists refer to as the epigenetic clock.
As part of the natural process of aging, chemical tags known as methyl groups attach themselves to DNA tags in our cells and the patterns they display can provide insight into one’s biological age. Steve Horvath, one of the pioneers in his field describes DNA methylation as an objective way of “measuring time across cells that contain DNA,” providing scientific support to what might seem like an artificial fountain of youth metric.
How Did the Kardashians Evaluate Their Biological Ages?
TruDiagnostic’s epigenetic-based service to determine biological age has long been popular; other notable tests such as Horvath’s GrimAge or ENABL Age clock also use similar methodologies to accurately forecast biological ages based on various health and lifestyle considerations. In their most recent episode, Kim Kardashian used TruDiagnostic services.
Are Biological Age Tests Reliable?
Undoubtedly, discovering one’s biological age has an allure all its own, evidenced by Khloe Kardashian being delighted that her cells reflected a much younger age compared to Kim; yet the accuracy and validity of such tests remain controversial issues.
Dr. Jennifer Wider, an expert on women’s health issues, points out that these tests have yet to be officially endorsed by any leading medical organizations and that results can differ widely based on test methodology and individual biological composition. Critics assert that such tests might oversimplify complex interactions among genetics, lifestyle choices and aging that lead to inaccurate interpretations about health status and provide misleading conclusions about wellbeing.
Why Does Biological Age Matter?
Understanding your biological age is more than merely fulfilling curiosity: it could serve to inform healthier lifestyle choices. Factors which accelerate epigenetic ageing such as smoking, poor diet and inactivity such as sedentary living are known to hasten its development while eating an abundance of fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy bodyweight, and engaging in physical activities are known to slow it.
Khloe Kardashian’s observation about breaking free of her perceived image as being “fat, funny” by showing younger biological age test results underscores their emotional effect.
What Are My Opinions Regarding Biological Age Testing?
While measuring how ‘young’ your cells are can be appealing, it is wise to approach such tests with some degree of skepticism. Science is still evolving and accuracy of such tests varies; in addition, overemphasizing biological age could potentially take away from other important health metrics and undermine holistic wellness practices.
As the Kardashians make headlines with their health endeavors, they inadvertently open up wider discussions regarding the implications and ethics of such health assessments. While whether such tests become part of personal monitoring plans remains to be seen; regardless, these tests do provide compelling dialogues about aging, health, genetics and lifestyle decisions that often spark serious conversation.
