Despite the fact that average life expectancy continues to increase, modern generations may face a different problem — accelerated biological aging. This conclusion was reached by researchers whose work was published in the journal **Nature**. Scientists found that people born in the 1990s often have a biological age that is higher than their chronological age compared to those born in the 1960s. ## What the Study Showed Researchers from the University of Washington analyzed medical data from nearly 160,000 participants in the British **UK Biobank** project, reports **Focus**. The specialists compared the chronological age of the volunteers with their biological age, which was calculated based on various medical indicators. The greater the difference between these values, the more pronounced the so-called accelerated biological aging. According to the authors of the study, this indicator may be associated with a higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases, including specific types of cancer. The results were quite revealing. Among people born between 1990 and 1999 (millennials and members of Generation Z), the gap between biological and chronological age was **92% higher** than among study participants born in 1965–1969. In other words, at the same age, the bodies of younger participants appeared "older" based on the studied biomarkers. Moreover, the study showed that among people born in 1965–1974, signs of accelerated biological aging were more pronounced than among the generation of the early 1950s. The authors also noted that among men, the difference between biological and chronological age was more pronounced than among women. ## Connection to Disease Risk Researchers found statistical links between accelerated aging of various body tissues and the risk of certain types of cancer. For instance, accelerated aging of the immune system was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, while accelerated aging of adipose tissue was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. According to the study, people born in the 1990s had at least a fourfold higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to members of the 1960s generation. At the same time, scientists emphasize that this refers to a statistical correlation, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The study does not mean that all people born after 1990 will inevitably age faster or face cancer. > "We do not yet have a definitive answer as to why this is happening. But such studies help us better understand how modern environments, nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and other factors affect the aging process of the body. Furthermore, the work confirms the trend of increasing cancer rates among young people," the authors of the study note. ## Can Biological Aging Be Slowed Down? According to scientists, the age of the body depends not only on genetics or the year of birth. Lifestyle plays a significant role, meaning many factors can be changed by individuals themselves. One of the most important indicators of longevity is cardiorespiratory endurance — the ability of the heart, lungs, and vascular system to effectively supply the body with oxygen. To maintain it, regular aerobic activities — walking, running, swimming, or cycling — should be combined with strength training at least twice a week. Another important factor is balance training. Simple exercises, such as standing on one leg, walking along an imaginary line, practicing yoga, or tai chi, help maintain coordination and reduce the risk of falls in the future. Researchers also highlight the serious problem of a sedentary lifestyle. Even a short five-minute walk every hour helps partially offset the harm of prolonged sitting, which specialists increasingly refer to as "the new smoking." The authors of the study emphasize that biological aging is not a death sentence or an inevitable consequence of the year of birth. Although modern lifestyles may accelerate age-related changes in the body, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and reducing sitting time can positively impact health. The key is to start taking care of one's body long before the first signs of disease appear.