A growing focus in Italy is reshaping how health and ageing may be understood, with increasing attention being given to “biological age” as a measure of physiological function rather than simply years lived.
Unlike chronological age, which reflects time since birth, biological age seeks to estimate how well the body is functioning based on markers linked to metabolism, cardiovascular health, physical performance and other indicators of resilience. Researchers say this approach may offer a more dynamic understanding of health risks and healthy ageing.
The concept has attracted growing interest in preventive medicine, sports medicine and longevity research, particularly as ageing populations face rising burdens of chronic disease. In this context, specialists argue that measuring functional health may help shift medicine further towards prevention rather than treatment alone.
Researchers note that biological ageing is influenced by multiple factors, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress exposure and metabolic health. Emerging evidence from epigenetic studies has also suggested that lifestyle factors may influence molecular markers associated with ageing processes, including so-called epigenetic clocks.
In Italy, where life expectancy remains among the highest in Europe, the discussion is gaining relevance as health systems increasingly focus not only on lifespan, but on healthspan—the years lived in good health. Experts say this distinction is becoming central to public health planning.
One of the strongest themes emerging from this approach is the role of exercise. Sports medicine specialists increasingly describe physical activity not only as prevention, but in some cases as a therapeutic tool capable of influencing cardiovascular risk, metabolic disorders and functional decline.
Evidence from large-scale studies has consistently linked regular exercise with reduced risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, frailty and cardiovascular disease. Some researchers suggest these effects may also contribute to slowing aspects of biological ageing, though this remains an active field of investigation.
Supporters of the biological age model argue that integrating functional assessments with traditional clinical measures could improve risk prediction. Rather than focusing solely on disease diagnosis, clinicians may be able to identify early signs of accelerated ageing and intervene sooner through lifestyle or preventive strategies.
The approach also reflects a broader shift towards viewing health as a dynamic state shaped by behaviours and environments. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity and chronic inflammation have all been associated with accelerated biological ageing in previous studies, reinforcing the importance of prevention.
Researchers in the field caution that biological age is not a single universally defined measure, and methods vary—from physiological testing to biomarker panels and epigenetic assessments. However, interest is growing in how these tools may complement conventional medicine.
Beyond clinical care, some experts suggest the concept may eventually influence broader discussions about wellbeing policy, healthy longevity and even how societies plan for ageing populations. For now, much of the focus remains on its preventive potential.
The Italian discussion reflects a wider international trend: moving beyond survival alone towards preserving function, independence and quality of life. In that context, biological age is being explored not merely as a number, but as a framework for understanding how lifestyle, prevention and medicine may shape healthier ageing over time.