A new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers has found that people with favorable socioeconomic conditions, such as high incomes or education levels, experience a reduced risk of age-related diseases and show fewer signs of biological aging compared to their peers. The study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights the direct impact of social inequalities on the aging process.
The research, based on four large longitudinal studies with over 800,000 participants, revealed that individuals with more social advantages had lower levels of proteins in their blood associated with aging, inflammation, and immune system function. Lead author Professor Mika Kivimaki emphasized the biological evidence showing that social conditions influence the pace of aging and health outcomes.
The study examined various markers of social advantage, including early-life factors like education and adulthood indicators such as occupational status and household income. The analysis also measured aging markers through disease diagnoses and blood tests assessing proteins circulating in the plasma, known as advanced plasma proteomics.
Results indicated a 20% higher risk of age-related diseases for individuals with low socioeconomic status compared to those with high socioeconomic status. Some diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, showed more than double the risk in the most disadvantaged group. The study identified 14 plasma proteins influenced by socioeconomic advantage, with up to 39% of reduced disease risk attributed to these proteins.
Co-author Professor Tony Wyss-Coray from Stanford University explained that aging is reflected in blood protein composition, offering insights into biological aging processes. The researchers also found that improvements in social standing could positively impact biological aging, with individuals transitioning from low to high social advantage showing more favorable protein concentrations.
While the study did not pinpoint the exact mechanisms linking social factors to biological aging, previous research has suggested associations with stress, mental health, environmental exposures, and lifestyle behaviors. The findings underscore the potential for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes based on blood tests indicating accelerated aging.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of addressing social inequalities in promoting healthy aging and reducing disease risk. Understanding how social factors influence biological aging could inform strategies for preventative medicine and personalized healthcare interventions. The researchers advocate for further research to elucidate the intricate relationship between social conditions and the aging process.
