Journal ArticleAging cell·Aug 2026
A Blood Test for Muscle and Bone Age Flags Who Ages Faster
Key Insight
This study suggests lifestyle and environment influence how fast your muscles and joints age.
Researchers built a clock from 39 blood proteins that estimates how old your muscles, bones, and joints really are. People whose musculoskeletal age ran ahead of their birthday age had higher risk of death, osteoarthritis, gout, and back pain. Pollution, stress, and unhealthy habits pushed the clock faster. Zinc showed up as a possible target for musculoskeletal disease, though that part is just a computer prediction.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.