Limited role of biological aging in unhealthy aging: A cross-sectional analysis of global life expectancy and disability data

BACKGROUND: Biological aging is known to impact quality of life, but its precise role is debated. OBJECTIVE: This study explores how biological aging, measured by life expectancy at birth (e0), affects unhealthy aging as indicated by years lost due to disability (YLD). METHODS: Data from international organizations, including e0, YLD, and confounding factors like income, obesity, and urbanization, were analyzed. Correlations were visualized with scatter plots, and associations were assessed using Pearson's and nonparametric methods. Partial, multilevel modelling and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine e0's impact on YLD. RESULTS: e0 strongly correlated with YLD, explaining about 50 % of its variance. After adjusting for confounders, e0's contribution fell to 12.18 %. Multiple regression identified e0 and urbanization as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Biological aging influences YLD, but its effect diminishes when accounting for other factors, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.