How Functional Genomics is reshaping the future of healthy ageing

Your cells hold the key to healthy ageing

Why do some people age better than others? Discover how functional genomics is reshaping the future of healthy ageing and how understanding your biological age can help you stay strong, energised and resilient for longer.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people feel young in their 60s or old in their 40s, you’re onto something. Science now tells us that your “biological age” — how your cells and tissues are really functioning — might not match the number on your next birthday cake. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to stay strong so your body can age well, not just age.

Genomics and the future of ageing well

Right now, there is a transition happening in healthcare: moving away from the age-old reactive model of waiting for a health issue to appear before treating it, to a proactive and preventative framework of health and wellbeing. This transition has come about via functional genomics. Whereas conventional medicine enters after-the-fact to help with treatment, functional genomics supports preventive healthcare as it manages symptoms and abnormalities before they appear.

Functional genomics essentially informs how “at-risk” your genes make you, providing insights into possible factors that could affect your health before the signs and symptoms appear. Your DNA contains some of the most crucial information about how your body metabolises food, responds to exercise and fends off health conditions. Understanding these influences, and the interplay they have with your genetic map, enables you to work on overall wellness, reduce the risk of key health conditions and live life, ageing with energy and happiness.

In my clinic, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to give patients insight into their genetic makeup to help them feel more connected to the rationale behind their daily habits and, as a result, make changes where necessary. The future of healthcare and healthy ageing is in our DNA, with genomics and epigenetics being used to create personalised treatment plans for people.

Can you turn back your biological clock?

Emerging science suggests you can influence how well and how slowly you age. A new 45-participant pilot study analysed the effects of various nutrition and lifestyle-based interventions on epigenetic ageing markers. Part of the study also looked at mitochondrial health, powered by the naturally occurring antioxidant ubiquinol.

The results indicated promising shifts in biological age after just three months, with the most consistent gains appearing post-trial after the 12-month mark, likely due to extended participation.

Mitochondrial function and ubiquinol

Ubiquinol isn’t just a player in the energy production process; it’s a vital component that contributes to how well your cells adapt, recover and perform over time to keep your mitochondrial function humming along as you age. Factors can impact the body’s ability to maintain optimal ubiquinol levels. When this happens, the efficiency of our mitochondrial function can decline, impacting everything from stamina and recovery to how well your body handles stress at the cellular level.

Healthy ageing is about adding life to your years

We now have clear clinical signals that, biologically, ageing is something we can influence. By addressing the underlying drivers — such as mitochondrial efficiency, inflammation and oxidative stress — we can potentially change the course of ageing by not just extending lifespan, but also healthspan, so later years are spent in a healthier state.

When we understand how our cells age, we’re in a better position to support them. It’s really about working with your body’s natural systems to maintain strength, energy and resilience over the decades so you can age well. As I often remind my patients: healthy ageing isn’t just about adding more years to your life, it’s about adding more life to your years.

Cellular support

While ageing is natural and inevitable, how rapidly it unfolds, and how well you maintain your vitality, is something you can help influence. The future of healthcare and healthy ageing is in our DNA, with genomics and epigenetics being used to create personalised treatment plans for people.

What you can start doing right now:

• Eat for your cells: Eat a wholefood diet rich in colourful vegetables (six-plus servings daily), adequate protein tailored to your body weight, whole grains, healthy fats and fermented foods. Beyond macronutrients, this is about supporting mitochondrial function and signalling your DNA to promote long-term cellular health.

• Move with intention: Aim for 30 minutes of daily movement, including three strength sessions per week. Strength training is especially important with age as it boosts mitochondrial biogenesis.

• Sleep: Overnight is when the liver is most active in processing and eliminating toxins. Aiming for seven to nine hours allows your body’s natural “housekeeping” systems to do their job.

• Stress management: Elevated cortisol can impair detox pathways and slow digestion. Breathing exercises, meditation and time outdoors all support a calmer nervous system.

• Reducing toxic load: Think beyond food. Minimising alcohol, processed sugar, caffeine and environmental toxins (such as conventional cleaning products or plastics) can significantly reduce the burden on your system.