Why biological clocks get our 'true age' wrong – and how AI could help

image via New Scientist

January 23, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •Biological age clocks estimate an individual's 'true age' based on biological markers, but they often lack consistency.
• •Different clocks, using various markers like epigenetic changes and blood proteins, can produce conflicting results.
• •The accuracy of these clocks is questionable, potentially leading to unwarranted confidence or anxiety.
• •AI-powered large health models offer a promising alternative by predicting mortality and age-related disease risks.
• •If you're considering a biological age test, approach the results with caution, as new technologies may soon replace them.

Biological clocks, designed to measure aging and predict disease risk, are popular but have significant limitations. These clocks, based on various biological markers, often yield inconsistent results and lack accuracy. While useful in principle, they may provide misleading information, causing undue anxiety or false confidence. However, a promising new approach using AI, specifically large health models, shows potential in predicting mortality and age-related diseases, potentially surpassing existing methods, suggesting that current biological age clocks may soon be obsolete.

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