Social Engagement And Epigenetic Age Acceleration In The Health And Retirement Study
Have you ever wondered if your social life could impact how quickly you age? Beyond the number of candles on your birthday cake, there’s a concept called “biological age,” which reflects the true health of your body’s cells and tissues. Scientists can now measure this using “epigenetic clocks,” which look at changes in your DNA, specifically patterns of something called DNA methylation. These patterns can indicate whether your body is aging faster or slower than your chronological age.
A recent study explored the connection between how socially engaged older adults are and their biological aging rate. Researchers looked at a large group of older adults, examining their participation in a wide range of social activities, from community involvement and cognitive challenges to creative hobbies at home and physical activities. They then compared this to their “epigenetic age acceleration” (EAA), which is essentially how much faster or slower their biological age is compared to their actual age.
The findings suggest a fascinating link: individuals who were more frequently involved in social activities tended to show a slower rate of biological aging. This was observed across several different measures of epigenetic age. For instance, regular participation in community activities was particularly associated with a slower aging pace. Conversely, those who consistently did not participate in social activities showed signs of faster biological aging. These insights highlight the potential benefits of staying socially active throughout life, offering valuable clues for initiatives aimed at promoting healthy and “active aging.
Source: link to paper