The Straits Times

Age is not just a number

We often speak of age as a single number. But there are two distinct concepts: Chronological age is the number of years lived, and biological age reflects how well our cells are functioning. While chronological ageing follows a strict formula – every passing year adds an increment – biological ageing is more dynamic.

Two people of the same chronological age can show surprisingly different biological ageing trajectories. A recent study from the Yale School of Public Health, tracking more than 11,000 adults over 65 in the United States, found that nearly half showed marked improvements in physical or cognitive function after a decade – challenging the common assumption that ageing inevitably means decline.

So, what explains whether an individual will improve or decline, or maintain his level of function over time?

Genetics plays a part. But so do our daily routines.

Read the full article by CARE's Senior Research Fellow Lia Troeung and Senior Research Associate Sumithra Devi Suppiah.