Biological aging refers to how well the body functions as it ages, which may not always be the same as a person’s chronological age. Some people may age more slowly and stay healthier for longer, while others may experience faster aging due to various factors , such as lifestyle habits.
It is possible to partly measure aging through epigenetic changes . This describes changes to genes without altering the DNA itself.
Using these patterns, an epigenetic clock can estimate a person’s biological age. If a person’s epigenetic age is older than their chronological age, it may suggest faster aging and a greater risk of age-related diseases.
Lifestyle habits can strongly influence epigenetic aging, with research highlighting regular exercise and healthy sleep habits as powerful tools to support healthy aging. Notably, growing research is showing an association between aging and changes in circadian rest-activity rhythms .
This refers to the natural, roughly 24-hour cycles in a person’s pattern of being awake and active versus resting and sleeping.
Medical News Today published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 13 May 2026.
The item focuses on Daily routines may strengthen circadian rhythms and support healthy aging.
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