How old are you? The answer could be how old you feel. It could also be your chronological age or your biological age. Biological age refers to the gradual deterioration of cells in the body that increases risk of disease and death. While the process affects all of us, the rate of biological aging varies by genetics, lifestyle and environment.
Researchers in Finland discovered that our biological age can give a clearer picture of heart disease risk than traditional methods alone. The study, in the journal Age and Ageing, also used frailty as an indicator of biological aging. The authors say a frailty index represents a comprehensive measure of health function and seems to be particularly effective as a tool to determine cardiovascular risk.