In a new Breaking News development in health science, experts have found that a simple blood or saliva test could help predict how long a person might live. This test is based on something called Intrinsic Capacity (IC)—a measure of how well your body and mind are working together as you age. The test could become a powerful tool for helping people live longer and healthier lives.
This important study was published in Nature Aging and has already attracted a lot of attention in the medical world. It could change how we think about aging and how doctors help people stay healthy as they grow older.
What Is Intrinsic Capacity?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intrinsic capacity means all the mental and physical abilities a person can use. These include:
- The ability to walk
- The ability to think clearly
- The ability to see and hear
- The ability to remember things
A person’s intrinsic capacity usually gets lower with age. It can also be affected by diseases and injuries. But scientists now believe that by checking your DNA through a simple blood test, they can measure how well your body is really aging on the inside.
New Research on the “IC Clock”
A group of scientists studied over 1,000 people between the ages of 20 and 102. They used blood and saliva samples to look at something called DNA methylation—chemical changes in your DNA that control how your genes work. These changes can show how your body is aging.
Based on this data, they created an IC score or “IC clock” that shows how strong a person’s body is. People with higher IC scores:
- Had better lung function
- Walked faster
- Had stronger bones
- Felt healthier overall
They also lived about 5.5 years longer than people with low IC scores.
How Diet and Lifestyle Affect the IC Score
The study found that healthy food choices play a big part in keeping your IC high:
- People who ate oily fish like salmon (rich in omega-3) had higher IC scores.
- People who kept sugar intake low—no more than 5% of their daily energy—also scored better.
Experts say omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and help the brain, heart, and cells stay healthy. On the other hand, too much sugar causes inflammation and may speed up aging.
Expert Tips to Stay Healthy and Live Longer
Doctors and health experts shared tips on how you can maintain or even improve your intrinsic capacity:
- Eat a balanced diet – Follow diets like the Mediterranean or MIND diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (nuts, olive oil, fish).
- Exercise regularly – Do aerobic workouts, strength training, and balance exercises to support energy and body movement.
- Keep your brain active – Reading, puzzles, or spending time with friends and family helps mental health and memory.
- Manage stress and health problems – Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health improves your overall well-being.
Dr. Thomas Holland, a top researcher from the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, said this new test is a major step in understanding aging. He explained that this blood test connects what’s happening inside your body to real-life results like how well you can move or think.
What This Means for the Future
This Daily news highlights story shows that science is moving toward more personalized healthcare. With further testing and approval, this DNAm IC test could become a regular tool in hospitals and clinics. It may help doctors decide which treatments or lifestyle changes are best for each person.
In simple words, this test could tell not just how long you might live—but how well you might live. That’s the real goal of modern healthcare.
