We’ve all heard it: “Aging is just a part of life.” But what if that’s not entirely true? What if aging isn’t just some natural, unstoppable process—but actually something we can treat, slow down, or maybe even reverse? Prevent aging with testing.

Welcome to the bold new world where aging is being rebranded—not as a life phase, but as a disease.

Yep. You read that right.

Why Call Aging a Disease?

Think about this: aging is the #1 risk factor for just about everything we don’t want—heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, the whole list. Scientists are realizing that the biological wear-and-tear behind aging is also what causes these chronic illnesses.

According to a peer-reviewed case study published in Frontiers in Genetics, the cellular processes that drive aging—like DNA damage, inflammation, and the build-up of “zombie” cells (a.k.a. senescent cells)—are no different from the ones behind actual diseases. So… if it looks like a disease and acts like a disease, maybe it is one (PMC).

What Does This Mean for You (and Your Future Self)?

Here’s the exciting part: if we treat aging as a disease, then we stop waiting around for chronic illnesses to show up—and start preventing them at the source. That’s where emerging science like senolytics comes in. These are compounds that clear out senescent cells (the ones that refuse to die and drag your tissues down with them). It’s like Marie Kondo for your body—tidying up aging at the cellular level.

Companies like Senolytix are diving into this, offering personalized longevity medicine aimed at extending not just lifespan but healthspan—the number of years you live in good health, not just in existence.

The Harvard Perspective

Even Harvard Medical School is in on this. Their researchers emphasize defining aging as more than a birthday counter. It’s a biological process—and if we understand how it works, we can intervene earlier, smarter, and better (Harvard).

Okay, But Should We Really Call It a Disease?

Good question. Not everyone’s sold. Critics worry it could open the door to ageism, or worse—snake oil “cures” from the sketchy side of the supplement aisle. And let’s be real, aging isn’t all bad: wisdom, emotional resilience, and experience don’t exactly come standard in youth.

Still, labeling aging as a disease isn’t about shaming wrinkles. It’s about targeting the biology behind what makes us feel tired, foggy, and fragile as we get older—and doing something about it before it snowballs into disease.

Bottom Line

The idea of aging as a disease might sound wild—but it’s not science fiction. It’s a new way of thinking about health: proactive, preventative, and personalized.

And if that means staying sharper, stronger, and healthier for longer?

Honestly, bring it on.

Want more on cutting-edge longevity treatments? Stay tuned—we’re diving deeper into senolytics, biomarkers, and what your biological age is really telling you. But for now, take a deep dive into why DEXA, RMR, Vo2 are the perfect baseline measurements for preventing aging. 

Prevent aging with testing

DEXA, RMR, and VO₂ max testing are powerful tools for fighting aging because they give you a detailed, science-backed snapshot of how your body is actually functioning—not just how it looks or feels. DEXA scans measure body composition with high precision, revealing fat distribution, lean muscle mass, and bone density. This matters because age-related conditions like sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis often go unnoticed until it’s too late. By tracking these changes early, you can intervene with targeted nutrition and training. RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) testing tells you how many calories your body burns at rest, helping you optimize your metabolism and avoid the common pitfalls of middle-age weight gain or undereating. It’s crucial for tailoring a sustainable diet that supports energy, muscle maintenance, and hormonal balance. VO₂ max testing, which measures your body’s maximum oxygen usage during exercise, is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. A higher VO₂ max is linked to better cardiovascular health, improved mitochondrial function, and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Together, these tests form a data-driven baseline that empowers you to make smarter, personalized decisions that extend your healthspan—not just your lifespan.

Prevent aging with testing today at www.dexascan.com.