DunedinPACE (TruDiagnostic)

Epigenetic biomarker measuring the current rate of biological aging, expressed as years of aging per chronological year.

DunedinPACE (TruDiagnostic)

Table of contents

Basic data

DunedinPACE (Pace of Aging Computed from the Epigenome) is an advanced epigenetic biomarker developed by the Dunedin Study research team and implemented by TruDiagnostic. Unlike traditional biological age clocks, which estimate cumulative age, DunedinPACE measures the speed at which your body is aging right now.

It calculates the rate of physiological decline across multiple biological systems by analyzing methylation patterns in DNA. A score of 1.0 means you are aging at the average rate of one biological year per chronological year. A value below 1.0 suggests slowed aging, while values above 1.0 indicate accelerated aging.

This test has gained prominence in longevity research as one of the most robust and reproducible measures of biological aging, providing unique insight into how lifestyle and interventions influence long-term health trajectories.

Category: Epigenetics

Level: Advanced

Usefulness: Low

Level

Advanced

This is an advanced-level test suitable for users seeking molecular precision in tracking their longevity interventions. It is particularly useful for evaluating the long-term impact of nutrition, exercise, supplementation, or pharmacological strategies on the biological pace of aging.

Usefulness

Low

DunedinPACE does not provide direct, actionable guidance, but rather deepens the understanding of one’s biological aging rate. Its greatest value lies in tracking long-term trends and drawing general conclusions about the effectiveness of longevity interventions.
Rate of aging assessment

Provides a direct measure of how quickly biological systems are declining relative to chronological time.

Intervention tracking

Allows users to assess whether lifestyle or therapeutic interventions are slowing down or accelerating aging.

High reproducibility

One of the most scientifically validated aging biomarkers, reproducible across populations and laboratories.

How it works

The DunedinPACE algorithm analyzes methylation of hundreds of CpG sites in DNA extracted from blood samples. These patterns are compared to longitudinal data from decades-long studies linking methylation with physiological decline.
Data foundation

Derived from the 50-year Dunedin longitudinal cohort, which tracks thousands of physiological, cognitive, and metabolic biomarkers through the lifespan.

Statistical modeling

Uses elastic-net regression models to calculate the current pace of aging, expressed as a continuous numerical score.

Measures

The DunedinPACE report includes a primary aging rate score and related interpretive metrics.
DunedinPACE score

Expressed as biological years per chronological year. Example: 0.85 = aging 15% slower; 1.15 = aging 15% faster.

Percentile ranking

Indicates how your pace of aging compares to population averages within the reference dataset.

Change over time

Tracking multiple measurements over years can show the long-term effects of interventions on biological aging rate.

Reliability

DunedinPACE is one of the most validated epigenetic biomarkers, showing consistent predictive power for morbidity, functional decline, and mortality risk in longitudinal studies.
Robust validation

Proven reliability across multiple cohorts and laboratories using independent datasets.

Temporal stability

Demonstrates low short-term variability, making it ideal for monitoring changes over months or years.

Limitations

Despite its strong scientific foundation, DunedinPACE reflects rate, not cause, of aging. It requires contextual interpretation alongside other biomarkers and health data.
Not diagnostic

A high pace score does not identify specific organs or causes of faster aging; further testing is needed for insight.

Sensitive to short-term stressors

Acute illness, inflammation, or major physiological stress may transiently alter results.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once per year to monitor the effect of lifestyle or therapeutic interventions on biological aging rate.

Cost

Typical costs

Around €300–600 depending on the provider or inclusion within a broader TruAge or TruDiagnostic panel.

Availability

Where available

Offered by TruDiagnostic and partner longevity clinics as part of the Advanced TruAge or Complete panels.

Preparation

How to prepare

No specific preparation required. Avoid testing during acute illness or after extreme physiological stress for optimal accuracy.

Interpretation

The DunedinPACE score represents your current speed of aging. Interpreting it in context helps guide health optimization.
Score below 1.0

Indicates slower biological aging compared to the average population — a favorable longevity profile.

Score around 1.0

Represents average aging rate consistent with chronological time.

Score above 1.0

Suggests accelerated biological aging — consider reviewing lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, or metabolic health.

Alternatives

OMICm Age (TruDiagnostic)

Estimates cumulative biological age but not the current rate of aging, serving as a complementary perspective.

GlycanAge

Measures biological age based on immune glycosylation, indirectly reflecting inflammation and metabolic aging.

FAQ

Is DunedinPACE scientifically validated?

Yes. It has been peer-reviewed and validated in multiple large-scale studies linking its results to morbidity and mortality risk.

Can I change my DunedinPACE score?

Yes. Long-term improvements in sleep, fitness, diet, and stress management have been shown to reduce aging rate.

Is it better to have a lower DunedinPACE value?

Generally yes — a lower value indicates slower biological aging and is associated with improved long-term health outcomes.