Precision Gerontometry: Introduction, Fundamentals and Areas of Application

Aging is a major risk factor for numerous chronic diseases and a leading contributor to global mortality. Slowing the rate of aging would have revolutionary implications for health and longevity. A fundamental barrier to achieving this goal, however, is the difficulty of accurately measuring the effects of rejuvenating interventions. The development of precise gerontometric methods, therefore, is a priority for both science and preventive medicine. In this opinion article, the authors suggest the principles and discuss the implementation of precision gerontometry using recent advances in metabolomics. Although metabolomic approaches have limited accuracy in determining biological age, the described approach, which averages multiple metabolites from a large metabolomic signature of aging, circumvents this limitation. It allows for measurement of biological age change with an accuracy of approximately one month. Such precision gerontometry enables accelerated testing of candidate anti-aging interventions, helping to eliminate ineffective ones, speed the development of effective ones, and ultimately extend the duration of healthy human life, with profound social and humanitarian benefits.