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Biological age--a concept whose time has come: a preliminary study.

Jacqueline Goffaux·Gottlieb C Friesinger·Warren Lambert·Laurie W Shroyer·Thomas E Moritz·Martin McCarthy·William G Henderson·Karl E Hammermeister
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Chronology poorly predicts biological age (BA) or physiologic reserve (PR). An objective approach to the heterogeneity of aging would greatly help clinical decision making in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first pilot study evaluated 130 "healthy" volunteers, ages 70 to 95 years. A summary BA/PR index was developed, using measures of endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, cognition, depression, comorbidity, and exercise. The second study applied the BA/PR concept to prediction of death after a first elective coronary artery bypass graft, using a Veterans Administration database. RESULTS: The BA/PR index was a better predictor of 3-year functional outcomes and death than was chronological age. In the coronary artery bypass graft study, the inclusion of BA/PR variables significantly improved prediction of 6-month and long-term death for Veterans Administration patients. CONCLUSIONS: The usefulness of a biological age (BA/PR) approach in predicting outcomes in the elderly was supported. Needed research should develop tools for routine "tracking" of the aging process.

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Activities of Daily LivingAge FactorsAgedAged, 80 and overAgingCohort StudiesFemaleFrail ElderlyGeriatric AssessmentHumansLife ExpectancyLongevityMalePilot ProjectsQuality of LifeRegression AnalysisJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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Jacqueline Goffaux, Gottlieb C Friesinger, Warren Lambert, Laurie W Shroyer, Thomas E Moritz, Martin McCarthy, William G Henderson, Karl E Hammermeister. 2005. Biological age--a concept whose time has come: a preliminary study.. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.smj.0000182178.22607.47

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