TECHNOLOGY
Chronological vs. Biological from page 18
The science
Biological age is determined by an epigenetic test called DNA
methylation.
Epigenetics is the study of how genes are turned on and
off by adding chemical compounds to DNA (which carries our
genes), a process known as “epigenetic changes.” Of particular
importance to aging is one epigenetic mechanism known as “DNA
methylation,” in which a methyl group (i.e., one carbon atom
attached to three hydrogen atoms) is added to a gene. When
methyl groups are added, the gene is generally turned off. If no
methyl groups are added, the gene is turned on, that is, the gene
can carry out its normal function.
Epigenetic changes occur in response to what our body
experiences throughout life, including our diet, body weight,
sleep quality and duration, exercise, smoking, drug and alcohol
consumption, stress, education, socialization, the environment,
and innumerable other factors. Researchers believe that biological
age can often be lowered by making healthier choices, such as
losing weight, getting more sleep and exercise, reducing stress,
eating a healthier diet, stopping smoking, and having a more
active social life.
Biological age predicts health and longevity
Among people of the same chronological age, differences
in biological age can be detected in young adults, long before
health problems occur. DNA methylation tests for biological age
are strongly associated with mortality, even after adjusting for
traditional risk factors, such as smoking, cholesterol, and body
weight. For example, the likelihood of death was 16% to 35%
higher in people whose biological age was five years greater than
their chronological age compared to people whose biological age
matched their chronological age. Markers of biological age also
predict mortality in smokers and in people with obesity, and they
correlate with diet quality (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption)
and exercise patterns.
Actuarial & moral fairness
The number of people who know their biological age is
increasing rapidly because biotech companies are selling directto-consumer
tests that can be done on saliva specimens. This has
raised ethical and legal issues. There are also technical questions
and concerns about actuarial and moral fairness, discrimination,
informed consent, and public relations. These challenges will be
resolved as the tests become part of routine medical care.
Insurers using biological age
Some people will share their biological age with financial
professionals. This information could be used to provide better
advice regarding:
retirement age and savings goals
social security claiming age
possible age and duration of widowhood (when biological
age is known for both people)
health care costs in retirement, which are higher with longer
life expectancy
investment risk needed to achieve financial goals
relative attractiveness of annuities, longevity annuities,
and life insurance
It is also likely that some financial service companies, including
life insurers, will use biological age in the near future. This will be
an incremental process shaped by target markets, product type
and size, data acquisition costs for underwriting information, and
predictive value of the tests. Here are some of the reasons:
1 Biological age will provide a better estimate of life expectancy.
2 The technology will be even more predictive in the future.
3 Consumers will learn that biological age is a superior
predictor of health and longevity.
4 Early adopters of biological age will gain a competitive
advantage. They may target younger, tech-savvy consumers,
use these tests to lower data acquisition costs, or move to a
pricing structure that better aligns price with morbidity and
mortality risk.
Your chronological age might be 60, but your
biological age could be 55 or 65, depending
on how good you’ve been to your body.
20 Perspectives Q3 2020