How old is your body really? A biological age test measures how fast your body is aging at a cellular level, using validated biomarkers rather than the date on your birth certificate. HealthScreen delivers this through GrimAge, the world’s leading epigenetic ageing test, as an add-on to our diagnostic program, or included within the Platinum Program. A physician interprets your results at our Sydney and Melbourne preventative health clinics.
What Is Biological Age and How Is It Measured?
Biological age is a measure of how quickly your cells, tissues and organs are aging, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, diet and exercise. It differs from chronological age, which is simply the number of years since birth.
GrimAge: The Technology Behind Your Result
GrimAge analyses DNA methylation, chemical changes to your DNA that accumulate with age and lifestyle exposure, across eight methylation-based indicators plus self-reported smoking history, to produce a single biological age estimate.
GrimAge analyses DNA methylation, chemical changes to your DNA that accumulate with age and lifestyle exposure, across eight methylation-based indicators plus self-reported smoking history, to produce a single biological age estimate.
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| Marker | What it relates to |
|---|---|
| PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1) | Blood clotting activity and vascular inflammation |
| Cystatin C | Kidney function |
| Leptin | Metabolic and fat-regulation hormone activity |
| TIMP1 (Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1) | Tissue remodelling and fibrosis |
| ADM (Adrenomedullin) | Blood vessel and cardiovascular regulation |
| B2M (Beta-2-Microglobulin) | Immune system ageing |
| GDF15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) | Cellular stress and inflammation |
| Self-reported smoking history | Adjusts the model for a known ageing accelerant |
Where Biological Age Testing Fits in Your HealthScreen Program
Biological age testing (GrimAge) is an optional add-on to the HealthScreen Program ($3,500), for an additional $950, or it’s included as standard in the HealthScreen Platinum Program ($5,900). It is not available as a stand-alone test.
Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply, as with all HealthScreen preventative diagnostic services.
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HOW IT WORKS
Your biological age testing process
Day 1
Consultation and sample collection
Add biological age testing to your booked HealthScreen program. A quick blood sample is collected at our Sydney or Melbourne clinic during your existing appointment.
Weeks 1-6
Laboratory analysis
Your sample is analysed by our accredited laboratory partners using the GrimAge methylation panel.
Weeks 6-8
Results delivered
You’ll receive a detailed report of your biological age alongside physician recommendations. Note: this typically falls outside your standard 14-day diagnostic follow-up review, since GrimAge’s laboratory turnaround takes longer than the core biomarker panel.
How Epigenetic Age Relates to Fitness Age (VO2 Max) and Other Ageing Markers
Epigenetic age and cardiorespiratory fitness (often called “fitness age,” measured via VO2 max) capture different biological systems, and they don’t always move together. GrimAge reflects molecular and cellular ageing risk, including inflammation, vascular and metabolic markers linked to mortality and disease. VO2 max reflects how efficiently your heart and lungs deliver oxygen under physical load. It’s possible to have a strong VO2 max and an older-than-expected epigenetic age (for example, due to inflammation or genetics), or the reverse.
A high VO2 max score or a low result on a free online “biological age calculator” is not a substitute for a validated epigenetic test. Fitness trackers and self-reported quizzes are useful general-wellness tools, but they haven’t been validated against disease and mortality outcomes the way GrimAge has.
HealthScreen’s biological age testing is delivered specifically through GrimAge. We don’t currently offer VO2 max or cardiorespiratory fitness testing as a standalone service.
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Common mistakes when interpreting a biological age test
Retesting too soon
DNA methylation shifts over months of sustained change, not weeks. Annual retesting is the recommended cadence.
Treating a free calculator as clinically equivalent
Self-reported wellness quizzes estimate general ageing risk; they are not validated against disease and mortality outcomes.
HEALTH ASSESSMENTS & LONGEVITY MEMBERSHIPS
At HealthScreen’s Longevity Clinic, biological age testing sits within a broader, physician-led approach to preventative health. Alongside screening and risk assessment, HealthScreen supports patients who want ongoing prevention and care through dedicated longevity memberships.
These memberships are designed to provide continuity beyond one-off testing, with access to medical oversight, selected therapies, and pharmaceutical-grade supplements where appropriate.
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FAQs
What is the difference between biological and chronological age?
Biological age measures the health and ageing rate of your cells; chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve lived.
How accurate is biological age testing?
HealthScreen uses GrimAge, the peer-reviewed method developed by the Horvath Lab at UCLA. It’s considered more accurate than earlier epigenetic clocks because it analyses DNA methylation markers shown to closely track biological ageing and age-related health risk, though it remains a population-calibrated estimate rather than a diagnosis.
How much does a biological age test cost in Australia?
HealthScreen doesn’t offer biological age testing (GrimAge) as a standalone test. It’s a $950 optional add-on to a HealthScreen program, or included in the HealthScreen Platinum Program ($5,900) as standard.
Is biological age testing covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
No. VO2 max measures cardiorespiratory fitness, how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise, while GrimAge measures molecular aging through DNA methylation. They’re complementary but distinct markers, and HealthScreen currently offers biological age testing via GrimAge only.
How often should I have my biological age tested?
Annually, or as part of an ongoing longevity program, so you can track meaningful change over time rather than a single result.
Is the test invasive?
No. It’s a standard blood sample, collected during your HealthScreen appointment.
Can lifestyle changes impact my biological age?
Yes. Physical activity, nutrition, sleep and stress all influence aging rate, and results can help inform which changes matter most for you.
Can I book a biological age test on its own?
No. GrimAge is only available as an add-on to the HealthScreen programs, or included in eligible programs and memberships. It isn’t sold as a stand-alone booking.
What Our Clients Say
The testimonials below reflect general HealthScreen program experiences rather than biological age testing specifically.
“Truly worth it for the peace of mind! I was kept informed every step of the way, and my nerves were put to ease by the lovely staff.”
– Christina R.
“Fantastic service with everything in one place… super efficient but not rushed, all the medical staff were excellent.”
– Nina Raymond
Take the First Step
Biological age testing sits within HealthScreen’s broader, physician-led approach to preventative health. Explore our comprehensive health screening programs or view our longevity memberships to see where biological age testing fits for you.
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