Biometric Aging Clock for Practical Utility in Clinical Settings

Abstract

Aging clocks are an essential tool for biogerontological research that enables a quick assessment of ones pace of aging. In research settings, clocks trained on -omics data types are the most popular since they allow for an inspection of the most basic cellular processes of aging. In clinical settings, however, -omics biomarkers of aging are impractical since they are linked to extra logistical load and costs, and they require personnel training. In this article, we present a cost-efficient aging clock that can be implemented easily in most clinics and hospitals to measure patients aging rates. The clock requires only 22 biomarkers, including 17 blood test parameters, and four biometric measures (blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference). The clock predicts ones chronological age with a mean average error of 7.35 years, and it reveals associations with hypertension, cancer, and obesity.