Are there any tests to show how well you’re aging? I like to have data, so I can track progress or problems and apply preventative steps. Just having a good BMI and a normal blood count isn’t going to tell me if I am aging well. Or what I need to do to slow down the risk for disease as I age.
Every time I get a blood or metabolic panel done, I ask a lot of questions about what these tests mean. Usually the doctor says something like, “you don’t need to worry, you’re in the normal range.” I never get an idea of what I should be doing more of or less of, if I want to maintain health or decrease the rate at which I’m aging.
Anyone over 65 should be getting regular medical checkups. Your doctor will order tests such as a Complete Blood Count, a metabolic panel, and probably nutrient tests for certain vitamins or hormones (thyroid, B12, D3, iron).
My husband Rob and I have always been interested in tests and measures because we like to see progress. We track our weight, our exercise, and sometimes our macronutrients in the food we eat. (yes, there’s an app for that: Cronometer).
How Well Do Your Cells Resist Oxidative Damage?
For example a few years ago, Rob had his blood drawn and submitted for analysis to SpectraCell, a company that specializes in customizing diet plans according to individual needs. They measure overall oxidation function of your cells, to determine your cells ability to resist oxidative damage. This is key to learning about your cells ability to remain healthy.
The company measures which specific nutrients may be deficient in an individual. They analyze which antioxidants could be added to the diet to improve cellular health. Recommendations for supplementation are made based on deficient or borderline deficient status of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
It makes sense that you wouldn’t want to spend money on supplements your don’t actually need. Besides wasting money, excessive doses can be detrimental.
There are other companies that offer blood analyses to determine optimal diet. Some, like InsideTracker.com use DNA test results to customize health and wellness programs.
We’ve used InsideTracker.com, along with DNA results from 23andme.com. I’ve also used a test to analyze my gut microbiome from a company called Viome.com. I’ll share more about these results in a subsequent post.
No Test for Aging Well
Since scientists haven’t yet defined the causes of aging, they can’t test and measure the various contributing factors. Instead, we rely on biomarkers, the same ones that your doctor orders for your annual physical exam.
You can actually tell if you’re aging well from these common blood tests. But it requires that you understand how to read the results. I’m not sure I always understand what the results mean.
Stop Guessing, Start Tracking
There’s an old saying that you can’t change what you don’t measure. Makes sense. If you want to lose weight, you find out your starting weight and then measure it after some time has passed. But for aging well, there’s not one sole measurement you need to track.
You need to know several key biomarkers at your starting point. Then after three to six months, test again. See where you’ve improved. Make a plan to shift your diet or other health habits.
I’m a big believer in tracking your biomarkers. Fortunately, we live in an app world and with a few clicks and ticks we can record just about anything because “there’s an app for that!” Maybe someone should invent an Aging Well App!
Track your Biomarkers
First off, what is a biomarker? The term “biomarker” is used for any simple biological marker. An example would be to measure the level of cholesterol in a human. Biomarkers are a broad category of medical signs—that is, objective indications of a certain medical state as observed from outside a person.
A biomarker can be measured accurately and reproducibly. In contrast, medical symptoms are perceptions and indications of health or illness by a person. They are less objective.
Biomarker Tests for Aging Well
Some of the most common routine tests are:
- complete blood count (CBC)
- chemistry (basic metabolic) panel
- thyroid panel
- nutrient tests for levels of vital nutrients, such as iron or B vitamins
Blood tests offer an important snapshot of your overall health. They’re also a good way to catch illness or disease early or see how well your body responds to treatments for various conditions.
Get routine blood tests done at least once a year. Talk to your doctor to learn if there are any other tests you may need to ensure your optimal health.
Next up: Look at InsideTracker.com for customized health and wellness goals.
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