The findings, published in The Lancet Digital Health, show how accelerated aging in specific organs can predict not only diseases affecting that organ, but diseases across the rest of the body as well.

Lead author Professor Mika Kivimaki (UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences) said, “Our organs function as an integrated system, but they can age at different rates. Aging in particular organs can contribute to numerous aging-related diseases, so it’s important for us to take care of all aspects of our health.

“We found that a quick and easy blood test can identify whether a specific organ is aging faster than expected. In years to come, blood tests like this could play a crucial role in preventing numerous diseases.