How urine test could predict life expectancy

A newly developed urine test could help predict whether a person is likely to die earlier than others their age, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reports that researchers in Japan have created an epigenetic “urine aging clock” capable of estimating a person’s biological age using a simple urine sample.

Unlike chronological age, biological age reflects how old a person’s cells are and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, stress, sleep patterns, diet and smoking.

According to the Daily Mail, the research tracked more than 6,300 individuals undergoing cancer screening, during which urine samples were collected. Participants were also surveyed about lifestyle habits, including alcohol consumption and smoking.

The scientists analysed microRNAs small molecules of genetic material found in the urine samples.

Using sequencing techniques and algorithm-based models developed separately for men and women, the researchers were able to calculate biological age with an average margin of error of about 4.4 years.

The Daily Mail notes that previous studies have linked certain miRNAs, including miR-155-5p and miR-34a-5p, to accelerated cancer development and disrupted cell growth when over-expressed.

Writing in the journal npj Aging, scientists from Craif, a biotechnology startup based in Nagoya, said the urine test was slightly less precise than DNA-methylation clocks, which rely on specific DNA patterns to measure ageing.

But, they said the urine-based model performed better than blood-based miRNA and mRNA clocks, describing it as a promising and truly non-invasive biomarker for assessing biological age and disease risk.

Interest in measuring biological age has increased sharply in recent years, driven in part by the rise of longevity medicine. While wellness clinics now routinely offer ageing tests, the Daily Mail reports that they often cost more than £200 per test.

The Mail also highlights broader longevity trends, noting that recent research suggests global life expectancy could rise by nearly five years by 2050, with average lifespans projected to reach 76 for men and over 80 for women.

The world’s oldest living person is believed to be Ethel Caterham of Surrey, who was born on August 21, 1909, making her 116 years old. The longest confirmed human lifespan remains that of French woman Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997.

Experts who study centenarians say long life is often linked to regular physical activity, strong social connections, faith and a clear sense of purpose  traits commonly associated with so-called “Blue Zones,” regions where people frequently live beyond 100 years.

Even modest daily movement, such as walking, has been shown to improve longevity, while studies consistently indicate that loneliness can significantly shorten lifespan.