Objective metrics that change the most as we age

2 hours ago

Kidney function (eGFR) declines by ~6-7 points per decade, with some maintaining youthful levels via factors like controlled blood pressure and avoiding chronic NSAID use.
HbA1c rises ~0.1% per decade due to reduced insulin sensitivity and RBC longevity, but exercise and weight management can flatten this slope.
Red blood cells enlarge (MCV increases ~1 fL/decade), often due to B12/folate insufficiency, hypothyroidism, or alcohol use; checks can help maintain stability.
Lymphocyte counts drop ~100 cells/μL per decade, linked to poorer immune responses, but consistent aerobic and resistance training can slow this decline.
LDL/HDL ratios drift down with age as HDL rises and triglycerides shift; absolute LDL or ApoB is more relevant for cardiovascular risk tracking.
Vitamin D increases with age in some data due to supplementation trends, not biological aging, highlighting behavioral influences on biomarkers.
Key markers to monitor over decades include eGFR, HbA1c, lymphocyte counts, and MCV to assess biological aging, with lifestyle levers like exercise and diet shaping individual trajectories.

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