Finnish study examines early signs of ageing in 60-year-olds through lifelong health tracking

A comprehensive health examination of 60-year-old Kyösti Laihola, part of Finland’s Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study, offers researchers unprecedented insights into how early-life conditions and lifestyle choices influence health in later years, reports Yle.

Laihola, one of nearly 9,800 participants invited for this year’s assessments, underwent a full-day evaluation at a research clinic in Oulu. The study, which has tracked individuals since the 10th week of pregnancy, now focuses on detecting early markers of ageing. Blood samples, physical measurements, and functional tests—including grip strength, balance, and cardiovascular endurance—were conducted to build a detailed health profile.

“I’d say I’m in okay shape—others might say good shape,” Laihola told Yle. A former peacekeeper and deminer, he maintains his fitness through hunting and kettlebell training. Diagnosed with diabetes around 2000, he now monitors his blood sugar closely alongside his workouts.

The examination included 70 millilitres of blood drawn for cholesterol, liver and kidney function, glucose levels, and long-term storage in a biobank. Dermatological checks, lung capacity tests, and body composition analysis—measuring visceral fat and muscle mass—confirmed Laihola’s “excellent” fitness level, researchers noted. A smart ring was provided to track his activity for a year.

“This is the first time we can study the very beginning of ageing with such long-term data,” the research team stated. Findings will help clarify how prenatal conditions, childhood environment, and adult habits shape health at 60. Participants receive only select results; full data remains coded for privacy, with follow-ups possible if critical issues arise.

The cohort, initially comprising over 12,000 individuals born in 1966, has been assessed at birth, 14, 31, and 46 years of age. This latest phase marks its most detailed examination yet.