For years, we’ve been told that ageing is inevitable—that our genetics determine how we grow older and what diseases we’ll face. But exciting new research is proving otherwise. Scientists now understand that our biological age (bio age)—how old our body actually functions at a cellular level—doesn’t have to match our chronological age. In fact, your bio age can move in reverse with the right lifestyle interventions.

This shift in understanding comes down to epigenetics—the study of how our environment and behaviors influence gene expression. While we inherit a set of genes from our parents, it’s our daily choices that determine how those genes are turned on or off. Through epigenetic processes like DNA methylation, we have the power to influence how our bodies age and whether we remain vibrant and disease-free as we grow older.

Dementia is a global health crisis, with over 55 million people worldwide currently living with the condition. The most common form, Alzheimer’s Disease, accounts for 60-70% of cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year, and this number is expected to triple by 2050 if no effective interventions are implemented.

While genetics can influence dementia risk, lifestyle choices can modify gene expression. Possession of the APOE4 gene, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, is not a definitive fate. Studies show that individuals with APOE4 who follow a healthy lifestyle have a much lower risk of developing dementia than those who do not.

Encouragingly, this means there are actionable steps we can take to reduce our risk and protect our brain health. Research has shown that the changes to the brain which lead to dementia begin 20 - 30 years before any symptoms of cognitive impairment arise. This is why it’s so important to take action now. 

“1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime” – a statistic we’ve all heard numerous times. This soundbite occurs in isolation, without context or explanation. Does this lead us to assume that there’s a 50% chance of each and every one of us getting cancer? That it’s a flip of the coin as to whether that dreaded fate is ours? How does it make us feel? I would expect that for the majority of people this elicits a degree of fear – a well-known tactic to manipulate people to take the action being suggested and “Donate Now”. But would people fear this statistic less if they were given more information? Instead of feeling powerless to the outcome of that dreaded coin flip, would they feel empowered to direct their fate towards one of health and vitality? My guess would be, probably.