Biological Age Tests Gain Traction as $600 Billion Wellness Industry Sells a Slower-Aging Score
Updated
Updated · British Vogue · Aug 6
Biological Age Tests Gain Traction as $600 Billion Wellness Industry Sells a Slower-Aging Score
1 articles · Updated · British Vogue · Aug 6
Summary
$600 billion in projected wellness spending is fueling a surge in biological-age tests and wearables that claim to measure how fast the body is aging beyond calendar years.
Epigenetic clocks, blood-biomarker panels and devices such as Oura and Whoop estimate aging through DNA methylation, inflammation, heart rate, pulse-wave velocity and VO2 max, but experts say no single test is definitive.
Doctors and longevity researchers say the readings can help flag cardiovascular, metabolic, immune and muscle health, yet inconsistent results across tests can also drive anxiety and encourage people to chase an unreliable number.
Women may see sharper biological shifts during perimenopause, while simple checks such as grip strength, walking speed and repeated chair stands can offer practical clues about physical reserve without specialized kits.
Experts say the most reliable ways to lower biological age remain familiar habits—better sleep, stress control, strength training, metabolic health and social connection—rather than buying a promise of a younger score.