In a first for the family, they are appearing in the Otago Daily Times without any of that attached baggage, but for using the Dunedin Study’s DunedinPACE algorithm to determine how fast or slow their bodies are ageing.
Some family members took the simple epigenetic blood test in this week’s season finale of The Kardashians television show, and their data was analysed by TruDiagnostic using the Dunedin Study’s DunedinPACE algorithm.
The DunedinPACE tool is like a speedometer with an average rate of one year of biological ageing per one year of chronological ageing.
That means if a person’s pace of ageing is 0.8, they are ageing 20% slower than most people of their age.
The results showed their youthful beauty is not all associated with airbrushing and makeup.
During the episode, TruDiagnostics chief executive officer Matt Dawson revealed 43-year-old Kim Kardashian’s pace of ageing score was 0.82, meaning she was ageing 18% slower than most people of her age.
The pace of ageing score of her sister Khloe Kardashian, 40, was even more impressive at 0.72, meaning she was ageing 28% slower than most people her age.
Both were thrilled with their results on the show.
Dunedin Study research director Prof Moana Theodore was delighted with the international exposure — particularly from one of the world’s most influential families.
"To know that the Kardashians used our DunedinPACE tool is surreal.
"We never imagined that it would reach the Kardashians, who we recognise as leading global influencers and highly successful businesspeople."
Prof Theodore said she was not surprised by their results.
"Before watching the recent episode, I had seen a few episodes and so I was aware of their interest in health and in ageing."
DunedinPACE was created by Dunedin Study researchers from the University of Otago and Duke University in North Carolina, using DNA methylation levels to measure biological ageing.
She said the DunedinPACE algorithm was used by researchers around the globe to examine the causes of premature ageing and whether it was associated with poorer health outcomes in later life.
"Our pace of ageing tool actually measures ‘whole-of-body’ ageing.
"It’s a measure that looks at a range of body systems — your teeth, your lungs, your cardiovascular system.
"So it’s not just about your appearance, it’s about what’s happening internally as well."
Prof Theodore said people’s life-spans were increasing, but it did not necessarily mean their "health-span" was increasing.
"So the science that we do, helps to inform people that may need more support as they age.
"And related to that, most of our health policies are based on chronological age, but what our findings show is biological ageing and pace of ageing is important."
She declined to say whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden should give it a go.
