Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6466-7553
Date Available
5-12-2026
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Geography
Faculty
Dr. Nari Senanayake
Faculty
Dr. Tad Mutersbaugh
Faculty
Dr. Nick Lally
Abstract
Epigenetic clocks are algorithms that use epigenetic biomarkers of aging to calculate an organism’s ‘biological age.’ Through discursive analysis of commercially available epigenetic clock marketing materials, scientific articles, and interviews with actors in the longevity biotechnology industry, this study examines the commercialization of epigenetic clocks in the form of consumer test-kits. The study argues that longevity biotechnology companies leverage the malleable and fluid qualities of epigenetic markers of biological age to extend the domains of profitable therapies. It shows that epigenetic clock companies market the dynamic qualities of epigenetic biological age measurements to redefine health around the project of optimizing longevity. Furthermore, the study argues this medicalization of aging reproduces normative ideals of embodiment and time by embedding that aging healthily is a matter of personal responsibility.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.94
Funding Information
This study was supported by the Barnhart Withington and Block (BWB) funding administered by the University of Kentucky's Department of Geography
Recommended Citation
Purisch, Hans T., "PLASTIC GERONTOLOGIES: EPIGENETIC CLOCKS AS INSTRUMENTS OF THE PROFITABLE MEDICALIZATION OF AGING" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Geography. 106.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/geography_etds/106
