Longevity and organ function predicted in new ‘body clock’ tool

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have created a groundbreaking new tool that can accurately calculate a person’s biological age and even predict their risk of disability or death. This innovative tool, known as the Health Octo Tool, utilizes eight different metrics from a patient’s physical exam and bloodwork to provide comprehensive insights into their overall wellness.

The methodology behind the Health Octo Tool is detailed in a recent publication in the journal Nature Communication. Dr. Shabnam Salimi, the lead author of the study and an acting instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine at UW, explained that this tool goes beyond traditional health assessments that focus on individual diseases. Instead, the Health Octo Tool looks at the broader picture of aging and its impact on the body’s various systems.

By analyzing data from large longevity studies, the researchers found that the Health Octo Tool could accurately predict disability, geriatric syndrome, Short Physical Performance Battery scores, and mortality with an accuracy of 90% or higher. This level of predictive accuracy is a significant advancement in the field of aging research.

The Health Octo Tool focuses on the concept of “health entropy,” which measures the amount of molecular and cellular damage that the body has accumulated over time. This damage directly affects the function of the body’s organs and systems, allowing the tool to determine how quickly a person is aging.

One key aspect of the tool is its ability to assess the aging rate of individual organ systems, such as the heart, lungs, and brain. By assigning a “body organ disease number” to each system, the tool can provide a comprehensive view of how aging is impacting the body as a whole.

In addition to measuring biological age, the Health Octo Tool includes components that assess how aging affects walking speed, cognitive function, and physical disability. By tracking these metrics, individuals can monitor their rate of aging and see how lifestyle changes impact their overall health.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to develop a digital app that will allow people to track their biological age and monitor their aging process in real time. This app will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness based on personalized data.

While the Health Octo Tool represents a significant advancement in the field of aging research, Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon specializing in longevity, emphasizes the importance of understanding the inherent complexity of aging. He notes that biological aging is influenced by a wide range of genetic, molecular, environmental, and psychosocial factors that cannot be fully captured by any single tool or model.

Despite these limitations, Osborn sees great potential in tools like the Health Octo for tracking trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By using comprehensive testing and tracking as a foundation for lifelong health habits, individuals can take proactive steps to optimize their health and well-being.

Ultimately, the development of the Health Octo Tool represents a significant step forward in our understanding of biological aging and its impact on overall health. By harnessing the power of data and technology, researchers are paving the way for personalized approaches to aging that can help individuals live longer, healthier lives.