Epigenetic-based age acceleration in a representative sample of older Americans: Associations with aging-related morbidity and mortality

In a nationally representative US adult population, measures of epigenetic age acceleration are associated with concurrent cognitive dysfunction, functional limitations and chronic conditions measured 2 y after DNA methylation measurement, and 4-y mortality. PC-based clocks do not significantly change the relationship between DNAm-based age acceleration and health outcomes. These findings suggest that along with demographic measures, SES, mental health, and health behaviors, epigenetic age acceleration serves as a useful tool to facilitate investigation into the biology of aging and helps in the prediction of later life morbidity and mortality.