Abu Dhabi, Ultrahuman develop model to estimate biological age
Wearables, clinical data will track how sleep, metabolism and heart health affect ageing
Residents in Abu Dhabi could soon have a better understanding of how fast their bodies are ageing through a new health model that combines medical test results with data collected from wearable devices.
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has signed a two-year agreement with health technology company Ultrahuman Healthcare to develop a Biological Health Age model aimed at helping people understand their health and identify potential risks before they develop into serious conditions.
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The model will analyse information such as heart health, sleep patterns, metabolism and recovery to provide a more personalised picture of an individual’s overall health.
What is biological age?
Unlike a person’s actual age, which is calculated based on their date of birth, biological age looks at how the body is ageing based on different health indicators.
For example, two people who are both 40 years old may have different biological ages depending on their lifestyle, physical health and other factors.
By combining medical information with data from wearable devices, the new model aims to help individuals better understand their health and make changes that could improve their long-term wellbeing.
Detecting health risks earlier
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to shift healthcare towards preventing diseases rather than only treating them after they develop.
Dr Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said understanding how people age is important for improving public health.
“Understanding how populations age and identifying the factors that influence healthy longevity are essential components of that transition,” he said.
He added that the partnership would help develop new tools to support healthier communities across Abu Dhabi.
How will the project work?
Under the two-year agreement, ADPHC and Ultrahuman Healthcare will work together on scientific research and medical studies to develop and test the model.
The organisations confirmed that all health data used in the project will remain within Abu Dhabi, with privacy protections and medical oversight in place.
The agreement was signed by Dr Faisal Al Ahbabi, Executive Director of Communicable Diseases at ADPHC, and Mohit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Ultrahuman Healthcare.
Kumar said the partnership would bring together continuous health monitoring and Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system to explore new ways of improving public health.
The project builds on Abu Dhabi’s investments in digital healthcare, genetics and preventive medicine, with the aim of helping people not only live longer but remain healthier as they age.
