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Perceived Age as a Mortality and Comorbidity Predictor: A Systematic Review
Francisco R Avila1, Ricardo A Torres-Guzman1, Karla C Maita1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|June 1, 2022
Summary
Perceived age, or how old someone appears, is linked to biological age. Studies show that appearing older increases mortality risk and is associated with various health issues.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Perceived age, how old an individual appears to others, reflects underlying biological age.
- Biological age, based on physiological markers, is a more accurate aging indicator than chronological age.
- Higher biological age is associated with reduced lifespan compared to chronological age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if increased perceived age is a risk factor for overall mortality.
- To investigate the association between perceived age and comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across three databases following PRISMA guidelines.
- Studies analyzing perceived age or facial characteristics of aging in relation to mortality or comorbidity outcomes were included.
- Data extracted included patient numbers, evaluation methods, outcomes, and results.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies out of 977 met inclusion criteria.
- Older-appearing individuals faced a 6-51% increased mortality risk (HR 1.06-1.51, p < 0.05).
- Perceived age and aging facial features correlated with cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, cognitive decline, bone density, and COPD.
Conclusions:
- Perceived age is a significant predictor of overall mortality.
- It also serves as a clinically useful indicator for cardiovascular, pulmonary, cognitive, and bone-related comorbidities.
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