DNAm PhenoAge is a cutting-edge biomarker that estimates your biological age by analysing DNA methylation patterns, showing how fast your body is ageing compared to your calendar age. A lower PhenoAge than your actual age suggests slower ageing, stronger metabolic health, and greater longevity potential.

A higher PhenoAge points to accelerated ageing, often connected with chronic inflammation, obesity, or lifestyle stressors. Monitoring this measure gives you a clearer picture of how habits like diet, exercise, and stress management are shaping your long-term health.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age).

What is DNAm PhenoAge (biological age)?

DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) is a test that looks beyond the number of years you’ve been alive and measures how your body is actually ageing on a cellular level. It does this by studying DNA methylation, which are small chemical markers that switch genes on or off. Think of it like checking the “wear and tear” of your body’s engine, rather than just looking at the odometer.

Your DNAm PhenoAge may be younger, the same, or older than your calendar age. A younger score suggests your lifestyle and metabolism are protecting your health. An older score may point to hidden risks such as chronic inflammation, stress, or poor metabolic function.

Quick facts:

• Based on DNA methylation patterns, not just age in years
• Linked with metabolism, inflammation, and disease risk
• Used in research to predict healthspan and longevity

In simple terms, DNAm PhenoAge gives you a clearer picture of your “true age,” helping you understand how your daily habits and health choices shape your future wellbeing.

Why is DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) important?

DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) is more than just a lab result — it gives you a window into how your body is ageing functionally, not just chronologically. It captures the cumulative impact of metabolic stress, inflammation, and cellular wear and tear. That makes it a powerful metric for health, longevity, and metabolic resilience.

When your DNAm PhenoAge is higher than your calendar age, it signals a faster biological ageing rate — a red flag for elevated risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. Conversely, a lower or matching PhenoAge suggests that your body’s physiology is ageing more slowly, giving you more buffer to maintain metabolic health and vitality as you grow older.

Why this matters:

• A 2024 review found that epigenetic ageing biomarkers (including PhenoAge derivatives) are strongly linked with all-cause mortality and age-related disease risk.
• Each “age-unit” increase in DNAm PhenoAge corresponds with a measurable rise in relative risk of death and disease — similar to the risks associated with poor metabolic health.

In short, DNAm PhenoAge helps you uncover hidden ageing signals early before symptoms appear so you can take informed action.

When should you get a DNAm PhenoAge (biological age) test?

While DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) testing isn’t a routine check, there are situations where it can provide valuable insights into your long-term health. You may consider getting tested if:

• You experience ongoing fatigue, weight changes, or other signs linked with accelerated ageing
• You have a family history of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or dementia
• You are managing chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure and want to understand their impact on your biological ageing
• You are planning for pregnancy and want a broader picture of your health and metabolic resilience
• Your GP or healthcare provider recommends further testing as part of preventative or personalised health care

Testing DNAm PhenoAge can highlight how your body is responding to lifestyle, nutrition, and medical factors, helping you make informed choices for your future wellbeing.

How does the DNAm PhenoAge (biological age) test work in Australia?

In Australia, the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test is carried out using a standard blood draw, which is then analysed in a specialised laboratory to assess DNA methylation patterns. These patterns are used to estimate your biological age compared to your chronological age.

For most patients, no fasting is required unless the test is combined with other routine blood work such as glucose or cholesterol. Your provider will confirm if any preparation is necessary.

Currently, the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test is not covered by Medicare, as it is considered an advanced biomarker rather than a routine diagnostic. This means you’ll need to pay privately. If you search for DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test cost Australia, you’ll find prices vary depending on the provider, but are generally offered as part of comprehensive longevity or metabolic health panels rather than as a single test.

Australians can access this test through private pathology providers, longevity clinics, or online health services that partner with accredited Australian labs. Results are usually delivered securely online, alongside other key markers, giving you a clear picture of your biological ageing and overall health trajectory.

What do my DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test results mean?

Your DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) results show whether your body is ageing faster, slower, or at the same pace as your actual age in years. The result is measured in “years” and compared directly with your chronological age.

A younger biological age means your body is coping well with stress, metabolism, and repair processes. An older biological age may point to underlying issues such as inflammation, obesity, or poor metabolic control.

DNAm PhenoAge (biological age) results guide

These results give you a clearer picture of how your lifestyle and health choices are influencing your long-term wellbeing.

DNAm PhenoAge (biological age) in context with other tests

Your DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) result is most useful when viewed alongside other key health markers. Just like cholesterol is better understood by looking at both ApoB and LDL/HDL, or thyroid health is clearer when TSH is checked with T3 and T4, biological age testing works best as part of a broader picture.

For example, pairing DNAm PhenoAge with markers such as inflammation, glucose control, and lipid levels helps show why your biological age may be higher or lower than expected. A younger PhenoAge combined with healthy cholesterol and blood sugar markers suggests strong metabolic health.

On the other hand, an older PhenoAge with raised inflammatory or glucose results may highlight risks that need attention.

By combining DNAm PhenoAge with other tests, you get a more complete understanding of your health trajectory — not just how fast you’re ageing, but also what factors are driving it. This integrated approach makes it easier to take targeted, evidence-based steps toward better long-term wellbeing.

Lifestyle and practical steps for DNAm PhenoAge (biological age)

Your DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) reflects the combined effects of your daily habits, so positive lifestyle choices can play a big role in slowing biological ageing. While no single factor can “reverse the clock,” research shows that consistent changes across diet, sleep, stress, and activity can make a measurable difference.

1. Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Prioritise vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fats from fish or nuts. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and alcohol to reduce cellular stress.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for both aerobic workouts and strength training. These improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support a healthier biological age.
3. Get quality sleep: Adults need 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night. Good sleep helps balance hormones, regulate immunity, and protect metabolic health.
4. Manage stress effectively: Chronic stress raises cortisol and speeds up ageing. Use mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, or downtime to support resilience.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping weight within a balanced range helps lower risks linked with metabolic disorders and inflammation that drive accelerated ageing.
6. Stay socially connected: Positive relationships and social engagement are linked with better longevity and slower biological ageing.

These steps collectively influence your DNAm PhenoAge over time. The best starting point is testing — once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test in Australia

What is the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test?

It’s a blood test that measures DNA methylation patterns to estimate your biological age compared to your chronological age. It shows how fast or slow your body is ageing at a cellular level.

How much does the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test cost in Australia?

Costs vary depending on the provider, but it is usually a private test not covered by Medicare. It is often offered as part of a broader longevity or metabolic health panel.

Is the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test covered by Medicare?

No, this test is not included under Medicare rebates in Australia. It is considered an advanced biomarker and is generally paid for privately.

Do I need a referral to get the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test?

Most private providers do not require a GP referral. You can usually order the test directly online through specialised health services or longevity clinics.

Can pregnant women take the DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) test?

Yes, it is safe during pregnancy. However, results may be influenced by metabolic and hormonal changes, so interpretation should consider this context.

What symptoms suggest I should take this test?

While not symptom-specific, reasons include fatigue, weight changes, family history of chronic illness, or wanting to understand your ageing rate for preventative health.

What is the normal range for DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age)?

There isn’t a single “normal range.” The key measure is whether your DNAm PhenoAge is younger, the same, or older than your actual chronological age.

Conclusion

DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) is a powerful biomarker that shows how your body is ageing at the cellular level, beyond just the years on your birth certificate. By analysing DNA methylation patterns, it reveals whether your biological age is younger, older, or aligned with your chronological age, offering valuable insight into long-term health, metabolism, and disease risk.

Understanding your DNAm PhenoAge can highlight the effects of lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress on your health trajectory. A higher score may point to hidden risks like chronic inflammation or poor metabolic function, while a lower score suggests resilience and healthier ageing. Either way, knowing your results gives you the power to make informed choices about your future wellbeing.

Knowledge is a form of prevention, and testing is the first step toward change. Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your DNAm PhenoAge (Biological Age) and more than 50 other key markers.

References

• Levine ME et al., “An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan,” Nature, discusses the development and predictive power of DNAm PhenoAge. 
• Dugué P-A et al., “Biological Aging Measures Based on Blood DNA Methylation and Cancer Risk,” PMC article linking PhenoAge with disease outcomes.
• Conole ELS et al., “Epigenetic clocks and DNA methylation biomarkers of ageing,” Nature Reviews overview of epigenetic clocks including PhenoAge.
• Cribb L et al., “Dietary factors and DNA methylation-based markers of ageing,” review of nutrition’s influence on methylation and ageing biomarkers. ‍
• Chervova O et al., “A systematic review and meta-analysis of epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) measures,” covering associations between epigenetic ageing and health outcomes.