Accelerated biological aging linked to higher disease and mortality risks

Research published in Scientific Reports, utilizing data from the Framingham Offspring Study, has linked accelerated biological aging to significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. While chronological age measures years since birth, biological age reflects the actual condition of an organism. In the study of 3,046 participants, those with accelerated biological aging were, on average, four years older in men and two and a half years older in women than their chronological age.

Long-term follow-up showed that individuals with accelerated biological aging faced a 1.6-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men and a 1.8-fold increase in women. The risk of death was approximately doubled for both sexes. Additionally, a connection was noted between accelerated aging and an increased risk of dementia in women.

Experts note that biological age biomarkers—measurable indicators of cellular and organ health—can help identify risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, and more severe disease progression. Understanding these markers allows for a better grasp of how lifestyle factors, genetics, and environment influence long-term health outcomes.