Whether you like them or not, the Kardashians have always been trendsetters, not just in fashion but more recently, in the wellness market. Whether it’s Kourtney popularising matcha as a healthy drink or Kim Kardashian promoting a Rs 2,00,000 full-body scan, their influence is undeniable.

In the latest episode of ‘The Kardashians’, released on July 25, 2024, we saw something similar: several members of the family took a test to find out their biological age and how fast they are aging.

The test is called the Horvath test, and it was taken by Kim, Kris, Khloe Kardashian, and Scott Disick to find out how fast they are aging.

And the results? Well, it was found that 40-year-old Khloe has the same cellular age as a 28-year-old (The doctor said that she was ranked seventh in the world in terms of slow aging)While 43-year-old Kim’s biological age is 35, 68-year-old Kris was 64 at the cellular level.

“Never! If I had to bet money, I would never bet on myself… By the way, Kim is very angry. I know she’s angry,” Khloe says.

What is biological age?

• Every year, when you celebrate your birthday, your chronological age increases, which is different from your biological age.
• Biological age refers to how old a person appears biologically (at the cellular level), taking into account various physical and functional factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, environment, and health conditions.

• This means that you might be Generation Z, but if your biological age is the same as a Millennial, you’re probably doing something wrong.
• In simple words, if you have good genes and a healthy lifestyle, your biological age will be comparatively lower than your actual age.

How do these tests work?

Who doesn’t want to live a long and healthy life?

these tests (if they work) Maybe you need a push to change your lifestyle. The Kardashians took something called DNA Methylation PatternsWhich is one of the four types of tests available in the market.

“Process [of a biological test] This involves collecting a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory. The laboratory prepares your blood, mixes it with various chemicals and reagents, and runs it through next-generation sequencers to study genes, proteins, metabolites, and epigenetic changes,” says Srinidhi Nathan, consultant, molecular hematology and oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

The results are then analyzed by AI-powered software that compares your data to known samples and population data to determine whether you are aging faster or slower, and what is impeding your normal body function.

“Some tests also provide additional information about your ancestry and a polygenic risk score to predict potential future cardiac events,” says Srinidhi.

As we told you, there are four types of these tests and each test is different.

Take a look at these four patients listed by Dr Mahadev Pokle, Associate Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Goa.

• Telomere Length: Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of your DNA strands. They get shorter as you age. By measuring them, scientists can estimate how fast you’re aging.
• DNA Methylation Patterns: These are changes in your DNA that occur over time due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. They act like markers that can indicate your biological age.
• Biomarkers in the blood: Certain substances in your blood, such as cholesterol levels, indicators of inflammation and hormone levels, can provide clues to your body’s aging process.
• Comprehensive Health Assessment: In addition to specific biomarkers, tests may also include assessment of metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune system function to provide a holistic view of biological aging.

Are such tests conducted in India too?

Both Dr Pokale and Srinidhi explain india today He said that many such tests are available in India too, which can be given.

“The meAND32 test is available in India. Known as multi-omics tests, these tests analyse various parameters, including the well-known telomere length, which determines the rate of ageing,” says Srinidhi.

Dr Pokle agrees. He says that many advanced diagnostic labs and wellness centres offer these tests, including leading chains such as Dr Lal PathLabs, SRL Diagnostics and specialized wellness clinics.

‘Price starts from Rs 1-3 lakh’

The biggest reason for these tests being so inaccessible is their cost. Dr. Basavaraj S. Kumbhar, Consultant of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore, says that the cost of these tests ranges between Rs 1500 to Rs 2500. Rs 1-3 lakhDepends on the laboratory.

He attributes their high cost to the technology and methods used in the tests.

“Reagents, laboratory maintenance and the fact that this is a relatively new field – all contribute to the high cost. Since it is not as common as other blood tests, the initial expense is higher,” says Dr Kumbhar.

Another concern raised by Dr Kumbhar is that since these tests are based on AI and are at an early stage, their accuracy is yet to be confirmed.

Dr. Kumbhar says, “These tests are not that accurate because they are still in the initial stages and have not been tested on the general public.”

Furthermore, there is nothing you can do to reverse your biological age, as the aging process of your cells cannot be stopped.

So, there is no need to worry if your biological age is higher or lower than expected. Instead, focus on taking proactive steps to maintain your health and promote longevity.

According to Dr. Pokle, these steps include eating nutrient-rich foods containing antioxidants and omega-3s, engaging in regular aerobic exercise and strength training, and managing stress effectively.