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A new contest called Younger challenges participants to reverse their biological age over six months. Organized by Christin Glorioso, founder of NeuroAge Therapeutics, the event aims to create a comprehensive dataset on aging clocks. These tools measure health markers like DNA chemical signatures, blood proteins, and organ function to estimate how old a person truly is compared to their chronological age. While scientists use these clocks to study development, estimating an individual’s biological age remains controversial because the technology is not yet precise enough for personal diagnosis.

The competition uses multiple methods to track progress. Regular participants send blood samples to TruDiagnostic to measure epigenetic markers across 11 organ systems and submit selfies to a Harvard app to estimate face age. They also perform cognitive tasks and physical tests like grip strength. Ultra competitors pay an additional fee for MRI scans, DEXA scans, and more extensive blood work. Some participants will test longevity approaches like red-light masks or sauna use, which sponsors hope to study without running formal clinical trials.

Glorioso expects around 500 participants to join starting in January. Early data shows significant variation; one competitor has a biological age 28.8 years below their chronological age, while another 47-year-old is estimated to be biologically 68.1 years old based on her speed of standing from a chair. Researchers like David Sinclair suggest that slowing aging could save the US economy $38 trillion by increasing life expectancy. Despite skepticism about short-term changes, many participants are already adjusting their diets and exercise routines in hopes of improving their scores.