Aging, exceptional longevity and comparisons of the Hannum and Horvath epigenetic clocks

Aim: To examine the relationships between two epigenetic clocks, aging and exceptional longevity. Materials & methods: Participants were from three adult cohorts with blood DNA methylation data (Illumina 450 K, n = 275, 34-103 years). Epigenetic age (DNAmage) and age acceleration measures were calculated using the Hannum and Horvath epigenetic clocks. Results: Across all cohorts, DNAmage was correlated with chronological age. In the long-lived cohort (Sydney Centenarian Study; 95+, n = 23), DNAmage was lower than chronological age for both clocks. Mean Sydney Centenarian Study Hannum age acceleration was negative, while the converse was observed for the Horvath model. Conclusion: Long-lived individuals have a young epigenetic age compared with their chronological age.