Your biological age may differ significantly from your chronological age, with doctors in the UAE warning that lifestyle and overall health can cause the body to age faster or slower than the number of years a person has lived.
The discussion has gained renewed attention following Dubai’s launch of the Dubai Longevity Authority, an initiative aimed at positioning the emirate as a global centre for healthy ageing and preventive healthcare.
Medical experts say biological age reflects the condition of the body’s organs, metabolism and cardiovascular system rather than a person’s date of birth. While two people may be the same age, their bodies can function very differently depending on factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress and existing health conditions.
Doctors noted that the difference between a person’s chronological and biological age can reach 10 to 20 years. Someone in their 40s with healthy habits may have the biological profile of a person in their 30s, while poor sleep, chronic inflammation, obesity and other risk factors can accelerate the ageing process.
Health specialists assess biological age using a range of indicators, including blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation levels, muscle mass, body composition and cardiovascular health. Some advanced assessments also incorporate DNA-based testing to estimate cellular ageing.
Experts said genetics play a role, but daily habits have a greater influence on how quickly the body ages. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management and avoiding smoking are among the measures that can help slow biological ageing and improve long-term health.
Doctors recommend adopting healthy lifestyle habits from an early age, noting that biological ageing tends to accelerate during the mid-40s and again around the age of 60.
Healthcare professionals also said interest in longevity medicine is growing across the UAE as more residents seek preventive care rather than treatment after illness develops. They believe the Dubai Longevity Authority could further strengthen the country’s focus on early disease detection, personalised healthcare and healthy ageing.
