Top 10 Longevity Biomarkers That Reveal How Well You’re Ageing

Living longer is important, but living better is what truly matters. Understanding what is happening in your body long before symptoms appear is key to improving both the length and quality of your life. Testing longevity biomarkers can provide that early insight, when it is clinically appropriate.

Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological age, which may differ from your chronological age. Many biomarkers, such as inflammatory markers, long-term glucose measures and hormone profiles, help assess the risk of age-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

At Everlab, we focus on early insights into your biomarker profile to provide a deeper understanding of your current health status and to support better long-term health planning. Our diagnostic panels test more than 100 biomarkers across metabolic health, cardiovascular function, inflammation, key organ systems and hormones, giving clinicians and patients a comprehensive view of biological ageing. Testing should always be interpreted in consultation with your treating doctor and may not be required for everyone.

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This article outlines essential biomarkers that influence longevity, how they shape your healthspan, and how Everlab’s diagnostic panels can help you track, interpret and act on them within a clinical context.

Introduction to Longevity

Longevity is not determined only by genetic predisposition. It is also shaped by lifestyle, nutrition and environment, all of which influence your biological age. Unlike chronological age, which is fixed, biological age reflects the current state of your body’s systems and how quickly, or slowly, they are ageing.

By analysing longevity biomarker values with your clinician, you can identify early signs of decline, reduce the risk of developing disease and optimise your long-term health.

Understanding Age-Related Diseases

Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and cancer cause considerable morbidity and mortality as people age. Early detection and risk mitigation can make a meaningful difference.

Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are underlying mechanisms in many age-related conditions. As such, blood tests to assess inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), together with blood and urine assessments of overall antioxidant capacity, can form part of a preventive health assessment when clinically indicated.

Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, remain central to healthy ageing. Therefore, when assessing trends in longevity biomarkers, it is essential to account for modifiable variables that may inform subsequent lifestyle changes.

Longevity Biomarkers

Blood markers include blood lipids, HbA1c (3-month average of blood glucose), fasting glucose levels and hs-CRP. These are objective markers that indicate metabolic or vascular risk.

Physiological biomarker measurements include Body Mass Index (BMI), resting blood pressure and DEXA body composition. These measures provide context for blood-based markers when assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Full Blood Counts (FBC) assess for anaemia, infection and other haematological concerns and are a standard component of many longevity-related assessments.

Measuring these markers over time provides clinicians and patients with consistent intervals for comparison, so that trends can be identified and practical, medical and lifestyle interventions can be considered.

Longevity biomarkers are categorized as follows:

1. Blood Glucose and Insulin Sensitivity Biomarkers

Glucose is the body’s primary source of fuel, and how well it is managed is a strong indicator of metabolic health. Impaired glucose management and insulin resistance are early features of metabolic dysfunction, which can progress over time into type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Poor blood sugar control also promotes chronic inflammation and blood vessel damage, both of which are associated with accelerated cellular ageing.

Fasting Blood Glucose

‍This is the current level of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast, or after at least 8 hours without food. Results help determine if you have normal glucose control, prediabetes or diabetes. Higher fasting blood glucose levels may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.

Fasting Blood Glucose (mmol/L)

• 3.9–5.4: Normal
• 6.1–6.9: Prediabetes
• 7.0 (on two separate tests): Diabetes

HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)

‍HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months. Unlike fasting blood glucose, which shows levels at a single point in time, HbA1c provides a longer-term view. Studies have reported that higher HbA1c is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and earlier loss of healthy years of life; however, these are associations and results must be interpreted in context.

HbA1c (mmol/mol or %) levels:

• <39 mmol/mol (5.7%): Normal
• 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%): Prediabetes
• ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%): Diabetes

Fasting Insulin

‍Fasting insulin measures the amount of insulin in the blood after fasting for at least 8 hours. Low insulin may suggest reduced pancreatic production, for example in type 1 diabetes, while high insulin may suggest insulin resistance.

Fasting Insulin (mIU/L) levels:

• <3: Low insulin
• 3–10: Normal
• 10: High insulin

Everlab’s Metabolic Function Panel includes fasting glucose, HbA1c and insulin measures. These data can support clinicians and patients in identifying early metabolic changes and in tailoring lifestyle or therapeutic strategies, enabling earlier, evidence-informed discussions with a specialist.

Testing frequency depends on risk and clinical context. Healthy adults may test annually. People with diabetes or high cardiometabolic risk may require more frequent monitoring, as advised by their treating doctor.

2. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol and Triglycerides)

Cholesterol is essential for hormone production and cell health. However, imbalanced lipid levels can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove excess cholesterol. Maintaining healthy ratios is critical for cardiovascular health and for reducing disease risk.

Key biomarkers for tracking lipid profile include:

Total Cholesterol

‍This measures the cholesterol level in your blood. Higher levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Total Cholesterol (mmol/L)

• 3.9–5.5: Normal range
• 5.5–6.5: Borderline high
• 6.5: High

LDL Cholesterol

‍LDL, sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol, transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells. High levels can promote plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL is often ideally below 2.0 mmol/L, and people at higher risk, such as those with diabetes or existing heart disease, are often advised to maintain levels below 1.8 mmol/L.

HDL Cholesterol

‍HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood, transporting it to the liver to be eliminated. Relatively higher HDL levels can help lower the risk of coronary heart disease. HDL values greater than 1.5 mmol/L are desirable.

Triglycerides

‍Triglycerides measure the amount of fat in the blood. The body converts excess kilojoules into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High levels contribute to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and pancreatitis.

Triglyceride Level (mmol/L) for Adults

• 0.5–1.7: Normal range
• 1.8–2.5: Borderline
• 2.5: High

Everlab’s Heart Health Panel measures major lipids and ratios to assess cardiovascular risk. When combined with inflammation markers, such as CRP, it can provide a clearer picture of vascular ageing.

The frequency of lipid profile testing depends on age, family history and other risk factors. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you are at higher risk, are 65 years or older, or have commenced treatment.

3. Inflammation Biomarkers

Chronic inflammation accelerates ageing and is involved in many age-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

A key inflammatory biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), can reveal whether the immune system is in a state of persistent inflammation.

The Cancer Detection Panel at Everlab evaluates CRP to help detect chronic inflammation before it contributes to tissue damage or metabolic dysfunction.

Inflammation markers should be tested when your doctor advises it, not routinely in all people. These biomarkers help monitor inflammation-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and some unexplained symptoms. Testing frequency may range from every few weeks to every few months, depending on the clinical situation.

4. Liver Function

The liver plays an essential role in metabolism, hormone processing and energy regulation. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of fatty liver, alcohol-related injury or metabolic dysfunction.

Everlab’s Comprehensive Liver Function Panel measures liver enzymes and bilirubin levels to assess how well your liver is functioning. It can flag early changes before more advanced dysfunction develops due to diet, medication or ageing.

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Testing frequency depends on your individual situation and your specialist’s recommendations. Healthy, younger individuals may only require annual testing. People with chronic liver disease, obesity, higher alcohol intake or recent infections may require more frequent testing. Seek advice from your treating doctor.

5. Kidney Function

The kidneys help clear waste and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Declining kidney function increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammation.

Creatinine, urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provide insight into how well the kidneys are working over time.

The Kidney Function Panel at Everlab supports early detection of kidney decline, so that hydration, diet and blood pressure management strategies can be introduced before irreversible damage occurs.

Annual comparison is often sufficient for people without risk factors. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or a family history of chronic kidney disease may need more intensive testing, as advised by their doctor.

6. Hormonal Balance

Hormones affect metabolism, mood, muscle mass and reproductive health. As people age, hormonal shifts can contribute to physical decline and increase the risk of chronic disease.

Everlab’s Female Health and Male Health Panels include reproductive and adrenal hormones to provide actionable insights that can be used to optimise energy, mood and healthspan through lifestyle or medical interventions, in consultation with a clinician.

7. Nutritional Biomarkers

Micronutrient deficiencies can reduce energy, impair immune function and slow recovery. Everlab’s Nutrition Panel includes vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron studies, zinc and magnesium to identify potential deficiencies and to guide personalised nutritional strategies.

8. Cardiovascular Fitness (VO₂ Max and Blood Pressure)

Physical activity is one of the most consistent predictors of life expectancy. VO₂ max, which is the maximal oxygen uptake during exercise, is a reliable gauge of cardiovascular fitness and of blood pressure response to stress.

Low VO₂ max and elevated blood pressure increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions associated with ageing.

Everlab’s Aerobic Capacity and Heart Health Assessment measures physiological biomarkers, such as VO₂ max and blood pressure, to support personalised recommendations for fitness interventions that are associated with healthy ageing and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

9. Telomere Length

Telomeres sit at the ends of chromosomes and protect them. Over time they shorten with each cell division. Shorter telomeres are associated with cellular senescence and some ageing-related changes. Telomere assessment, however, is a specialised test and is not part of routine screening.

Everlab’s Genetic Health Panel provides targeted genomic insights that, when combined with inflammation markers and metabolic indicators, can help to formulate an overall estimate of biological ageing, subject to clinical interpretation.

10. Full Blood Count (FBC)

A full blood count assesses white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, providing a general overview of health. Elevated or reduced values can indicate infection, immune issues, anaemia, malignancy or inflammatory conditions, all of which can affect healthy ageing.

Everlab’s Blood and Bone Marrow Function and Autoimmunity Panel includes these tests for early detection of physiological imbalances that can inform personalised prevention strategies.

11. Bonus Biomarker: Body Composition (DEXA Scan)

Beyond blood-based testing, body fat percentage, muscle mass and bone density are important indicators of longevity. Increased visceral fat and age-related muscle loss are associated with frailty and metabolic syndrome.

Everlab’s DEXA Full Body Composition scan provides insight into functional ageing. Better results are typically associated with lower risk of adverse long-term health outcomes.

Disease Prevention Protocols

These three areas represent core strategies for reducing chronic disease development and supporting your healthspan:

1. Diet and Exercise

‍A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, combined with appropriate energy intake, is essential under the supervision of a clinician if you have health conditions. Regular physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to improve cardiovascular health and increase insulin sensitivity.

2. Vital Signs and Key Biomarkers

‍Biomarker results should inform a proactive approach to blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose management, in partnership with your specialist. Keeping key markers within recommended ranges can reduce pathways to heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

3. Lifestyle Factors

‍Minimise factors that accelerate ageing. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake and aim to maintain a healthy weight across the lifespan. These modifiable factors have a measurable impact on inflammation and long-term cellular health.

The Ageing Process and Longevity

Ageing is not a single event. It is the result of genetics, environment and cumulative lifestyle choices.

A long and productive life requires a comprehensive approach with periodic, personalised adjustments. Monitor your diet, physical activity and lifestyle habits, track your biomarkers, identify what is working for you and adjust as needed.

Everlab supports this process through objective data collection, advanced biomarker testing, clinician-led analysis and action-based recommendations. This allows you and your doctor to build an evidence-based plan for healthy ageing. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice.

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Sources

1. National Institutes of Health - What are Biomarkers?‍
2. National Institutes of Health - Biomarkers of Aging for the Identification and Evaluation of Longevity Interventions‍
3. National Council on Aging - The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults‍
4. Healthdirect - Cholesterol and lipid tests‍
5. Australian Health Survey: Users’ Guide‍