Biological Age Sensor

Interested in why some people age more slowly than their peers? Biological Age Sensor is a genetic test analysing selected gene variations associated with telomere length, the protective ends of chromosomes. You will learn about your inherited susceptibility in this area and which habits support healthy ageing.

Who is this test for

• you are interested in how genes affect ageing;
• you care about healthy ageing and longevity;
• you want additional motivation to change your diet and habits;
• you already have preventive blood tests and are interested in the genetic side too;
• you have read about telomeres and biological age and want to know what your genes say about them.

What the test reveals

Telomeres are the protective ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. Their length is influenced by genes, but also by smoking, body weight, physical activity and prolonged stress. According to its description, Biological Age Sensor covers selected gene variations associated in research with slightly longer or shorter telomeres. Ask for the exact list of genes and variants covered before testing.

Your result provides information about the body’s inherited ability to maintain telomeres and general recommendations on diet and micronutrients.

It is also important to know what the test does not do. It does not measure your telomere length or calculate your biological age. The individual effect of these variations is small, and supplements have not been shown to lengthen telomeres or life. Read more in the article Telomeres and ageing.

The test and preparation

The sample is an oral swab: a swab is passed over the inside of the cheek several times. It is painless and takes a minute or two, while the entire visit usually takes around ten minutes. For 30 minutes before the swab, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. Genes do not change during your lifetime, so the test is performed only once.

What your results mean

• Variations associated with longer telomeres: this alone is not an assessment of health or biological age, nor a guarantee of slower ageing. Longer telomeres are not always inherently better, and habits still have a greater influence than these genes.
• Variations associated with shorter telomeres: this does not mean you are ageing faster or will develop disease. It means habits that support healthy ageing are especially worthwhile for you.
• A mixed result: this is common, because most people carry variations associated with both longer and shorter telomeres.

The result is best interpreted with a doctor alongside your health and habits. Free genetic counselling is also available with the result. The strongest evidence for healthy ageing supports not smoking, regular physical activity, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fish, sufficient sleep, and control of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Blood tests provide more practical insight into factors you can influence. Longevity panels include a blood count, CRP, glucose and HbA1c, lipids, homocysteine, and markers of kidney, liver and thyroid function.

How to arrange testing

The test is performed without a referral or appointment: a nurse takes the swab at any of our branches (listed on the Contactpage). Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Does the test show my biological age?

No. The test shows genetic susceptibility to longer or shorter telomeres. There is not yet a generally accepted clinical test of biological age.

Can telomeres be lengthened?

Not to a significant extent in most adult cells. Healthy habits are associated with slightly longer telomeres, but there is no medicine or supplement that reliably lengthens telomeres and life.

Should I take supplements based on the result?

Not without a doctor’s advice. Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are best obtained through food; supplements make sense when there is a deficiency, for example of vitamin D, which is checked by a blood test.

Do stress and smoking shorten telomeres?

In research, smoking, obesity and prolonged stress are associated with shorter telomeres. Stopping smoking and reducing stress benefit health regardless of telomeres.