The present invention relates to a method for operating a chromatography column comprising (a) providing a first value of a lifetime (first lifetime value) of said chromatography column; (b) performing a chromatographic separation of a sample on said chromatography column; (c) providing a value of a weighted aging factor determined based on at least one aging parameter selected from sample type, sample dilution, and sample volume; and (d) determining a second value of said lifetime (second lifetime value) of said chromatography column based on said first lifetime value and said weighted aging factor. The present invention also relates to further methods, databases, devices, and uses related thereto.