"When Did I Last Cut My Nails..." If They Grow Fast, It's Proof You're Aging Slower Than Others

"If Your Fingernails Grow More Slowly, It May Be a Sign of Aging"
Growth Rate Decreases by About 0.5% Annually After Age 30

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay

Experts have suggested that the rate at which fingernails grow can indicate the degree of aging.

On the 17th (local time), according to the British Daily Mail, David Sinclair, a professor of aging and genetics at Harvard Medical School, appeared on his podcast "Lifespan" and said, "The speed of fingernail growth is a reliable indicator of the progression of aging in the human body," adding, "Fingernails show how quickly our body produces new cells." Biological aging refers to the gradual decline in the function of our body's cells and tissues.

He referred to a 1979 study in which researchers attached small measuring tapes to the fingernails of hundreds of people and tracked their growth over several years. The study found that from the age of 30, the weekly growth rate of fingernails decreases by about 0.5% annually. A follow-up study in 2011 confirmed that this decline in growth rate begins at age 25.

Accordingly, the research team argued that if fingernails grow faster than this rate and need to be trimmed more frequently than peers, it could be a sign of aging at a slower rate than average. After learning about these findings, Dr. Sinclair said, "I now pay close attention to how quickly my fingernails grow," and “measuring nail growth can help determine biological age.”

You can detect signs of health abnormalities through the shape or condition of your nails. Photo by Daily Mail

Additionally, Dr. Sinclair advised closely observing changes in the shape and color of fingernails. He added that abnormalities in fingernails and toenails are common among the elderly as normal signs of aging caused by slower new cell production, but if such abnormalities are found in younger people’s nails, they could be potential signs of various health issues.

Fingernails can also serve as indicators of various health conditions such as anemia or melanoma. Black spots under the nails may be signs of cancers like melanoma or warts. White spots or lines can indicate nutrient deficiencies or fungal infections. The "club phenomenon," where nails widen and curve around the fingertips, may signal hypoxia. Therefore, if there are changes in the shape or color of nails, regular health check-ups and balanced nutrition are important.