Recent studies have highlighted the potential link between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and slowing down the process of biological aging. The research, conducted in the US and Sweden, suggests that individuals with better cardiovascular health tend to have a lower biological age. This implies that lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing weight, and adhering to a set of health measures can contribute to reducing biological age.
The studies utilized nine blood markers, routinely captured during clinical visits, to assess metabolism, inflammation, and organ function. These markers were instrumental in establishing the link between high biological age and a higher risk of dementia and stroke. This correlation was found to be significant even when other risk factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and socio-economics were taken into account.
One of the studies, to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023, used the American Heart Association's 'Life's Essential 8' checklist to measure biological aging. The 'Essential 8' includes eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, getting enough sleep, maintaining low cholesterol levels, healthy blood pressure and sugar levels, and staying slim. The study found that those with the highest 'Life's Essential 8' score had a biological age six years younger than their actual age, on average.
However, it is important to note that the cardiovascular metrics in the study were measured at only one point in time, which may limit the comprehensiveness of the findings. Further research is needed to validate these results and to explore the potential long-term benefits of adhering to the 'Life's Essential 8' checklist.