Researchers found that certain epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) clocks can help predict exceptional longevity among women, but they do not indicate whether cognitive function will be preserved. In a study involving 5,844 women from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study, scientists measured 15 different epigenetic clocks to assess their relationship with survival to age 90. The findings revealed that women with lower EAA scores had better odds of living to 90, but the clocks did not differentiate between those who maintained cognitive health and those who did not.

This research is significant for anyone interested in aging well. The study showed that for every standard deviation increase in EAA, the odds of surviving to age 90 decreased by 7% to 18%. This means that if you are looking to age gracefully and possibly live longer, monitoring your epigenetic age may provide insights into your longevity potential. However, it’s important to note that while these clocks can indicate lifespan, they do not guarantee cognitive health as you age.

The study’s findings are based on a large group of women and provide strong evidence linking epigenetic clocks to longevity. However, none of the clocks could predict cognitive health outcomes, indicating that more research is needed to develop tools that can distinguish between longevity with and without cognitive impairment. This highlights the complexity of aging and the need for continued exploration into the factors that contribute to both lifespan and healthspan.