Biological Age
An estimate of how old the body is functionally, based on objective biological measurements, as opposed to chronological age, which simply counts years since birth.
Longevity Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms, concepts, and frameworks used in longevity science and healthspan research.
B
Biomarker
A measurable biological characteristic that indicates the state of a biological process, disease condition, or response to an intervention. In longevity science, biomarkers are used to track aging and assess healthspan.
E
Epigenetic Clock
A biological age measurement tool that uses patterns of DNA methylation, chemical modifications to DNA that change predictably with age, to estimate a person's biological age.
H
Healthspan
The period of life spent in good health, with physical strength, cognitive function, mobility, and independence intact. Distinct from lifespan, which is simply the total years lived.
L
Longevity
The capacity to live a long, healthy life. In modern science, longevity refers not just to maximum lifespan but to the extension of healthspan, the years lived in full physical and cognitive health.