Elevated baseline levels of GDF15, osteopontin, VEGFA, TNFR1, and MMP7 are associated with accelerated physical function decline and increased risk of major mobility disability over 24 months in older adults with mobility limitations, independent of intervention or weight changes.

Study: Biomarkers of Cellular Senescence Predict the Onset of Mobility Disability and are Reduced by Physical Activity in Older Adults.

The study found that older adults with higher levels of these five blood proteins were more likely to lose their ability to move around easily over time — even if they exercised or didn’t. So yes, these proteins are warning signs of future mobility problems.

Study: Biomarkers of cellular senescence predict risk of mild cognitive impairment: Results from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study

Older adults with higher levels of one specific blood protein called MMP7 were much more likely to develop memory problems over two years, which often goes hand-in-hand with losing the ability to move well. This suggests that high levels of certain blood proteins may signal faster decline in older people, even without treatment.

Study: Associations between biomarkers of cellular senescence and physical function in humans: observations from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study

Scientists found that older adults with mobility problems who had higher levels of certain blood proteins were much more likely to get worse at walking and moving over two years — even without any treatment or weight changes. This matches the claim that these proteins predict decline.

Study: Exploring the nexus between inflammation and mobility through the lens of healthy aging: current scenario and future perspectives

Older adults with higher levels of certain inflammation proteins in their blood tend to lose their ability to walk and move around faster over time — even if they try treatments or change their weight. The study found the same pattern: more inflammation means worse mobility.