Understanding Biological Age: The Key Metric for Ageing Well

At the heart of ageing well lies the concept of biological age, which differs significantly from chronological age. While chronological age simply counts the years since birth, biological age measures how well your body is functioning at a cellular and systemic level. Dr Richard Siow, Director of Ageing Research at King's (ARK) at King's College London, emphasizes that indicators like eating habits, sleep quality, stress levels, persistent aches, and breathlessness after mild exercise reveal your true biological state. A biological age two to three years younger than your chronological age signals slower ageing and potentially more healthy years ahead.

King's College London, through ARK, pioneers research into these metrics, integrating nutrigenomics and epigenetics to decode ageing processes. This multidisciplinary approach at a leading UK university highlights how academic institutions are at the forefront of translating complex science into practical advice for longevity.

Professor Richard Siow: Leading the Charge in Ageing Research

Dr Richard Siow, often referred to as Professor in public discourse for his extensive expertise, graduated from King's College London with a BSc in Nutrition and a PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology. As Reader in Vascular Biology and Director of ARK since 2015, he oversees a consortium spanning multiple faculties, focusing on cardiovascular health, preventive medicine, and healthy longevity. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations including Unilever and international partners like the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School.

Siow's leadership positions him as a key voice in UK higher education's response to the ageing population challenge. ARK events, such as the 2025 Science and Networking Conference, showcase cutting-edge research from King's researchers, fostering innovations in brain health and metabolic resilience.

Nutrition as the Foundation: Embracing the Mediterranean Diet

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in Siow's recommendations for ageing well. He advocates for a Mediterranean-style diet rich in phytonutrients from fruits, berries, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and moderate seafood. A recent King's-led study demonstrated that a supplement mimicking these components, DailyColors™, positively influenced epigenetic markers and reduced inflammation indicators like CD38 in overweight adults aged 55-80. Read the full study details.

This aligns with broader evidence linking the diet to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and dementia. At King's, nutrigenomics research explores how food-gene interactions modulate redox signalling, offering actionable insights for daily meals.

• Incorporate at least 30 plant varieties weekly for diverse phytonutrients.
• Prioritize olive oil and fresh produce over processed foods.
• Limit red meat, opting for fish and legumes.

Optimizing Sleep: The Goldilocks Principle for Longevity

Sleep is non-negotiable for healthy ageing, according to Siow's holistic biomarkers. Aim for 6-9 hours nightly, ideally 6-7 core hours, with a consistent schedule starting around 7am to align with natural light cycles. Poor sleep accelerates telomere shortening and chronic inflammation, hallmarks of accelerated ageing.

ARK's integration with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health underscores university efforts to develop tech for better sleep tracking in ageing populations. Practical steps include avoiding weekend lie-ins and creating a cool, dark environment.

Exercise and Movement: Building Resilience Daily

Movement counters biological ageing by preserving muscle, bone density, and telomere length. Siow supports brisk walking at 3-4 mph, even 11 minutes daily, to boost cardiovascular fitness and mental health. Grip strength, a simple test, predicts overall function.

King's researchers in the BHF Centre of Research Excellence investigate exercise's redox effects, informing tailored programmes for older adults.

• Walk faster in daily routines.
• Incorporate resistance training twice weekly.
• Combine with balance exercises to prevent falls.

Stress Management and Happiness: Psychological Pillars

Siow stresses emotional wellbeing as vital as physical markers. Cortisol levels, subjective happiness, and mindset influence DNA methylation clocks. Workplace stress, common in academia, must be addressed through mindfulness and social connections.

In a Vitafoods Insights interview, he warns against anxiety-inducing trackers, promoting balanced lifestyle integration.

Supplements and Nutrigenomics: Science-Backed Support

While whole foods reign supreme, Siow's research validates targeted supplements. The antioxidants study showed epigenetic benefits from anthocyanins and quercetin, echoing Mediterranean virtues. Always consult professionals, especially with university-backed evidence.

ARK's Role: Pioneering Ageing Research in UK Higher Education

ARK exemplifies how UK universities like King's drive ageing solutions. Initiatives include AI ethics reports, China collaborations on healthy ageing strategies, and brain health tech. These efforts position higher education as hubs for interdisciplinary talent in longevity fields.

Future Outlook: Longevity Innovations from Academia

Looking ahead, Siow envisions personalized medicine via epigenetic clocks and AI, tempered by equity concerns. King's ARK conferences and partnerships signal a vibrant future for UK research careers in ageing.

Actionable Insights: Your Roadmap to Ageing Well

Synthesize Siow's tips into daily habits: audit biological age signs, adopt Mediterranean eating, sleep consistently, move briskly, nurture happiness. Track progress without obsession, leveraging university research for informed choices.

• Weekly: 30 plants, brisk walks.
• Daily: 7-8 hours sleep, stress check-in.
• Monthly: Biomarker review if possible.

By following these evidence-based strategies from a King's College London leader, individuals can enhance healthspan amid an ageing society.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash