Researchers from the University of Bergen, Norway, presented findings at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Amsterdam, indicating that individuals whose fathers began smoking during adolescence tend to experience accelerated biological aging.
An analysis of approximately 900 participants revealed that those whose fathers started smoking at age 15 or younger exhibited a biological age that, on average, surpassed their chronological age by 9 to 15 months. This biological age was determined using “epigenetic clocks,” a method that tracks DNA changes and is linked to the risk of age-related diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and dementia.
Scientists hypothesize that smoking during puberty might damage developing sperm, and these genetic alterations could then be passed down to the next generation. Interestingly, no similar effect was observed from mothers` smoking prior to pregnancy.
The study`s authors emphasize that the habit of smoking cigarettes or using vapes during adolescence can have long-term consequences not only for the health of the teenagers themselves but also for their future offspring. Therefore, preventing smoking among young people should be a priority, not just for safeguarding the health of the current generation, but also for protecting the well-being of future ones.
Previously, other studies have indicated that factors such as optimism, adequate sleep, strong social support, and effective stress management can contribute to slowing down brain aging.
