Researchers from Cornell, Harvard, and the University of Arizona have found that strong social connections can slow down biological aging and reduce inflammation in the body. Their findings were published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health (BB&IH).
This discovery is based on the analysis of data from over two thousand adult participants in the long-term MIDUS (Midlife in the United States) study. The scientists introduced and utilized the concept of “cumulative social advantage” (CSA), which encompasses aspects such as strong family ties, emotional support, participation in religious communities, and active social engagement.
It was observed that individuals with a high CSA score had “slower” epigenetic clocks – biomarkers that indicate the rate of biological aging. Additionally, these participants exhibited lower levels of interleukin-6, a protein associated with chronic inflammation and accelerated aging.
Interestingly, no significant correlations were found between CSA and stress hormones (cortisol, cortisone, and catecholamines). This suggests that the primary impact of social factors on the aging process is mediated through inflammatory responses and epigenetic mechanisms.
The study authors emphasize that maintaining social contacts provides not only psychological benefits but also serves as a vital physiological resource. The results confirm that social connections are deeply integrated into the biological mechanisms of health and can genuinely contribute to decelerating aging and extending the period of active life.
As an additional finding, it was previously established that children of men who began smoking in adolescence show accelerated biological aging.
