What is Biological Age?

Biological age is a measure of how old your body behaves physiologically, and it is different from chronological age, which is based on when you were born.  Biological age can explain why individuals of the same age have profound differences in capabilities, and why some people are healthier than others.  Biological age can be negatively affected by your environment, undesirable dietary habits, lack of proper exercise, physical or mental health issues, and social isolation.  The Blood Age analysis uses blood biomarkers and a research-validated algorithm to provide scores that estimate a person's biological, liver, kidney, lipid, metabolic, and blood ages. 

• Research indicates that biological age is a better predictor of disease risk than chronological age and is highly associated with all-cause mortality and risk for numerous adverse health conditions like diabetes, cancer, dementia, and organ-specific damage. 

• Biological age can be positively influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, biomarkers, and sleep.

• Exercise can improve biological age on a cellular level, and different forms of exercise can activate longevity genes, thereby improving healthspan.

• Biological age is a better predictor of physical wellness than chronological age, and it is important for maintaining energy, normal immune function, and healthy heart and circulation.

What is the Benefit of knowing your Biological Age?

Biological age is a measure of how old your body behaves physiologically, and it is different from chronological age, which is based on when you were born.  Biological age can explain why individuals of the same age have profound differences in capabilities, and why some people are healthier than others.  Biological age can be negatively affected by your environment, undesirable dietary habits, lack of proper exercise, physical or mental health issues, and social isolation.  The Blood Age analysis uses blood biomarkers and a research-validated algorithm to provide scores that estimate a person's biological, liver, kidney, lipid, metabolic, and blood ages. 

Why should I get this analysis?

You should get this analysis if you want to live a healthier, longer life, have a family history of disease or disease risk, are interested in biohacking, proactively make healthy changes, want to learn what internal organs or systems need your attention, or want more insight about your health status after a recent illness or injury.

The analysis will provide you with personal age scores displayed on an easy-to-read report.

Get more insights from your standard blood biomarker tests. "If you can measure it, you can improve it"

Your doctor will typically only mention biomarkers outside normal range, such as cholesterol or iron deficiency.

The Healthspan Tracker can use the same report to accurately predict your biological age and analyse which blood markers are affecting the ageing process the most. Biological age is a measure of how lifestyle, nutrition, illness, and genetics have affected your body and vital organs, such as your liver and kidneys.

The age score you receive in the report provides insights so you can make changes that will improve your overall wellness and healthspan.

What Biomarkers are used to determine Biological Age?

Blood biomarkers are measurable substances found in blood that can indicate normal or pathological processes, or responses to therapeutic interventions. They can be enzymes, glucose, proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, or even specific types of cells.

• Biomarkers indicate the presence or absence of a disease and may provide information about the likely course or outcome of a disease.

• Biomarkers may further predict how well someone will respond to a particular treatment.

• Biomarkers are also used to regularly follow up on the progression of disease or the effects of treatment over time.

DOWNLOAD A LIST OF BIOMARKERS USED IN THE BLOOD AGE ANALYSIS

Does the Healthspan Tracker report include the cost of the blood tests?

No, the Healthspan Tracker report does not include the cost of the required blood test.

The Healthspan Tracker report is based on a further review of biomarkers from common blood tests.

• If you have a good relationship with a GP, it should be possible to ask them if they will write a pathology request for the required blood biomarkers.

• Link to guides showing you have to obtain the required blood test from your doctor

• You will need to speak with your doctor regarding your desire to embark on a programme of preventative healthcare and ask them to support your efforts by ordering the required blood tests. The blood tests are the very common tests done for red and white blood cells, liver and kidney function, cholesterol etc.

• Alternatively, it is also possible to just purchase a private blood test without involving a doctor. The cost of a private blood test is $299. However, you save the GP fees and it also quicker and easier to use a private pathology lab.

• We will guide you through the process regardless of which option you chose to obtain the required blood biomarkers.

Do I need to consult with a healthcare practitioner for the interpretation of the Healthspan Tracker report?

Yes, seeing a healthcare practitioner about your blood test results is crucial for several reasons:

Expert Interpretation
Blood test results can be complex and require expert interpretation. Healthcare practitioners are trained to understand these results in the context of your overall health, considering factors such as:
- Age and gender
- Current health condition and physical findings
- Medical, family, and social history
- Medications you are taking
- Other diagnostic procedures
- Lifestyle factors such as diet and occupation.

Contextual Diagnosis
Blood tests are just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. A healthcare practitioner can integrate your test results with other clinical information to make a comprehensive diagnosis. This holistic approach ensures that any abnormalities are accurately interpreted and appropriately managed.

Personalised Treatment Plans
Based on your blood test results, a healthcare practitioner can develop a personalised treatment plan. This might include:
- Recommendations for lifestyle changes
- Prescription medications
- Further diagnostic testing
- Monitoring strategies for ongoing conditions.

Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular monitoring of blood test results is essential for managing chronic conditions and assessing the effectiveness of treatments. Healthcare practitioners can track changes over time and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Reducing Misinterpretation and Anxiety
Interpreting blood test results without medical training can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary anxiety. Healthcare practitioners can explain what your results mean in a clear and reassuring manner, helping you understand the implications for your health and what steps to take next.

In summary, consulting a healthcare practitioner about your blood test results ensures accurate interpretation, personalised care, and effective management of your health, while also safeguarding your privacy and reducing potential anxiety.

Legal and Privacy Considerations
Healthcare practitioners are bound by privacy laws to protect your personal health information. They ensure that your test results are shared only with those directly involved in your care, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with legal requirements.

Getting help with the interpretation of the Healthspan Tracker report

While the Healthspan Tracker report is easy to read and understand, you may need expert advice about the lifestyle, natural and pharmaceutical interventions that may be required to improve your health. The Healthspan Tracker report provides a great framework for a discussion about your health with your preferred healthcare practitioner such as a general practitioner, specialist, or allied healthcare professional including dietician, nutritionist or naturopath.

Get your blood test from your local Blood Lab

In NEW ZEALAND, you can order the required blood test privately from blood labs. You do not need a referral from your doctor. Follow this link to the correct panel of biomarkers.

Your blood test can be requested via your GP or one of our doctors.
The cost of the comprehensive blood test of 30 - 50 blood biomarkers ranges from $150 - $350 . No other charges or Lab fees.

Order your blood test from AWANUI LABS:
https://awanuigroup.co.nz/services/self-requested-testing/

Find a blood collection centre near you:
NZ Testing Locations

The Healthspan Tracker Report is based on a further analysis of biomarkers from common blood tests.

If you have a good relationship with a GP, it should be possible to ask them if they will write a pathology request for the required blood biomarkers.

Alternatively, it is also possible to just purchase a private blood test without involving a doctor. You save the doctor fees and it also quicker and easier to use a private pathology lab.

We will guide you through the process regardless of which option you chose to obtain the required blood biomarkers.

How do I approach my doctor for help getting the blood test required for the Healthspan Tracker report?

If you have a good relationship with a GP, it should be possible to ask them if they will write a pathology request for the required blood biomarkers.

Alternatively, it is also possible to just purchase a private blood test without involving a doctor. You save the doctor fees and it also quicker and easier to use a private pathology lab.

We will guide you through the process regardless of which option you chose to obtain the required blood biomarkers.

• You will need to speak with your doctor regarding your desire to embark on a programme of preventative healthcare and ask them to support your efforts by ordering the required blood tests. The blood tests are the very common tests done for red and white blood cells, liver and kidney function, cholesterol etc.

• Alternatively, it is also possible to just purchase a private blood test without involving a doctor. The cost of a private blood test is $299. However, you save the GP fees and it also quicker and easier to use a private pathology lab.

• We will guide you through the process regardless of which option you chose to obtain the required blood biomarkers.

How often should I take the Healthspan Tracker report?

It is recommended to repeat the Healthspan Tracker report every 4-6 months while you work on improving your health.

What is the cost of the Healthspan Tracker report?

The cost of the Healthspan Tracker report is $124.

• You also need a blood test, which can be free on Medicare if you have a supportive doctor ordering the tests for you.

• You also have the option of ordering a private blood test without a doctor. The cost of getting 50 biomarkers is approximately $299. We encourage all people to get these biomarkers at least once a year. It is a great way to monitor your health status and may provide early warning if something is going wrong.

• Lastly, you need the help of a healthcare practitioner to review and interpret the Healthspan Tracker report and help you create an action plan.

How is the Healthspan Tracker report created?

Healthspan Tracker use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create an in-depth and accurate picture of your biological age. The science behind it is known as deep neural network analysis. The analysis is based on medical health records of half a million people in the UK Biobank. The analysis predicts your biological age, which is a better predictor of your physiological age than your chronological age.