Epigenetic Clocks Explained: How We Measure Aging

What if you could measure how old your body really is—not just in years, but in cellular wear and tear? That’s exactly what epigenetic clocks do. These groundbreaking biomarkers assess changes in DNA methylation patterns, which act like switches turning genes on or off. Over time, these patterns shift due to lifestyle, stress, nutrition, and environmental factors—giving scientists a precise way to calculate your biological age. But how accurate are these tests? And what do your results actually mean? In this article, we’ll demystify the science behind the most popular epigenetic clocks, like the Horvath Clock and GrimAge, and explain how they work, what they measure, and how you can use your results to make smarter choices for longevity.