Can a blood test predict longevity?

Most of us get blood tests to check for cholesterol, iron levels, or signs of diabetes. But what if a routine test could also offer a glimpse into your future; specifically, how long you might live? Scientists are increasingly looking at biomarkers in the blood as potential indicators of longevity, and recent studies suggest that certain blood markers may hold valuable clues about who is likely to reach 100 and who isn’t.¹

It’s hypothesised that your body’s internal chemistry is constantly shifting, which in turn reflects your health, lifestyle, and even genetic predispositions.¹ By analysing key markers in the blood, researchers believe they can spot patterns that separate the exceptionally long-lived from the rest of us.¹

What the science says about blood tests and longevity

A recent study from the Swedish AMORIS cohort, which tracked over 44,000 people for up to 35 years, found that blood biomarker profiles can indeed provide important clues about longevity.¹ Researchers compared the bloodwork of people who lived to 100 with those who passed away earlier and found distinct differences between the two groups—differences that were visible decades before the centenarians reached old age.¹

What biomarkers predict longevity?

The study revealed that centenarians tended to have:¹

• Higher total cholesterol and iron levels, which although are often considered risk factors for heart disease, were associated with a longer life in older age.

• Lower glucose (HbA1c) levels, suggesting that better blood sugar control in later years is linked to a reduced risk of diabetes and metabolic diseases.

• Lower creatinine levels, indicating a sign of better kidney function and in parts, overall health.

• Lower uric acid and liver enzymes, suggesting lower levels of inflammation and better metabolic health.

In other words, people who lived longer tended to have more stable metabolic and liver function, lower inflammation, and better blood sugar control earlier in life. These results challenge the assumption that longevity is purely down to luck or genetics, suggesting that our daily habits, diet, and overall health may play a more significant role than we realise.

Can a blood test predict your lifespan?

While these findings are intriguing, they don’t mean that a single blood test can tell you exactly how many years you have left. Longevity is influenced by a mix of factors, as lifestyle, genetics and sheer chance do play a part.² What blood tests can do is provide valuable insights into your long-term health risks, helping you make adjustments that could extend both your lifespan and your healthspan (which is the number of years you live in good health).

For example, someone with high cholesterol in their 40s or 50s might assume they’re at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, but the study suggests that higher total cholesterol levels in older adults might actually be protective.¹ Though importantly, you shouldn’t neglect the fact that high cholesterol levels are indeed a risk factor for heart disease and you should seek medical help if yours are out of normal range. Similarly, consistently high blood sugar levels (HbA1c) could indicate an increased risk of diabetes and metabolic disorders that may shorten lifespan if left unchecked.^1,2

The key blood tests that matter

A Complete Blood Test can reveal a wealth of information about your overall health. If you’re curious about what your blood might say about your future, here are some of the most telling markers:^1,2

1. Cholesterol profile

• Total cholesterol & LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Often seen as a heart disease risk factor, but in centurions, slightly higher (by 0.23mmol/l) HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) has been linked to greater longevity.

• HDL (“good” cholesterol): Helps clear excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing cardiovascular risks.

• Triglycerides: High levels indicate metabolic dysfunction and are linked to a shorter lifespan.

2. Diabetes risk

• HbA1c (long-term blood sugar levels): High levels suggest insulin resistance or prediabetes, which is strongly linked to chronic disease and reduced lifespan.

3. Liver and kidney function

• eGFR and creatinine: A measure of kidney function. Low creatinine levels were associated with longer life in the AMORIS study.

• Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT): High levels can indicate inflammation or liver stress, which may shorten lifespan.

4. Vitamins and nutrient markers

• Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, immune function, and overall longevity.

• Ferritin (iron storage levels): Too low or too high can be problematic, but centenarians in the study had higher iron levels than non-centenarians.

• Vitamin B12 & folate (B9): Essential for brain function, nerve health, and red blood cell production.

5. Thyroid health

• TSH and free T4: Thyroid hormones influence metabolism, energy levels, and the ageing process.

Longevity isn’t just about numbers

It’s important to note that while blood biomarkers can offer insights into longevity, they aren’t destiny. A single test result doesn’t mean you’re doomed to an early death or guaranteed to live to 100. Instead, these biomarkers should be viewed as indicators of your overall health, giving you an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that support a longer, healthier life.

The numan take

Longevity isn’t just about how long you live, but how well you live. Blood tests can serve as a great tool for early detection, allowing you to make informed choices about your health before problems arise. If you want to live longer, focus on controlling blood sugar, keeping inflammation low, and living a healthy enough lifestyle that maintains strong kidney and liver function; all of which are reflected in the numbers a blood test provides.

References

1. _{Murata S, Ebeling M, Meyer AC, Schmidt-Mende K, Hammar N, Modig K. Blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity: comparison of centenarians and non-centenarians in a 35-year follow-up of the Swedish AMORIS cohort. GeroScience. 2024;46(2):1693–702.} 

2. _{Drewelies J, Hueluer G, Duezel S, Vetter VM, Pawelec G, Steinhagen-Thiessen E, et al. Using blood test parameters to define biological age among older adults: association with morbidity and mortality independent of chronological age validated in two separate birth cohorts. GeroScience. 2022;44(6):2685–99.}