Biological aging tests should be avoided because knowledge of mortality predictions can harm health
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/helen-pilcher. "A new test claims to tell how well you’re ageing – and even when you’ll die. But I’d rather not know | Helen Pilcher | The Guardian." June 12, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues we shouldn't take tests that predict how fast we're aging or when we might die. She believes that knowing bad news about our biological age could make us feel worse about getting older, and research shows negative attitudes about aging actually make people die sooner.
Conclusion
People should avoid taking biological aging tests that predict mortality because such knowledge can negatively impact health and longevity
Premises
- Biological aging tests only provide statistical probabilities, not definitive predictions about death or disease
- People already know the basic steps needed to improve their health without needing test results
- Negative beliefs about aging can become biologically embodied and lead to worse health outcomes
- Research shows people with negative views of aging die on average 7.5 years earlier than those with positive views
- Knowledge of poor test results could change one's mindset about aging in harmful ways
Assumptions
- Most people have sufficient self-awareness about their health habits without testing
- Maintaining positive beliefs about aging is more beneficial than having detailed biological information
- The psychological impact of test results outweighs their potential medical utility
- People cannot effectively compartmentalize negative test results from their overall aging mindset