Researchers are continuously searching for reliable methods to measure biological age. Biological age says something about how fast someone is ageing, which can differ from chronological age. This is important to better understand how living conditions affect health and lifespan. A proven way to estimate biological age does not yet exist, but there are promising techniques, such as epigenetic clocks. These clocks look at small changes in the DNA that are associated with ageing.
Recent research shows that people with a lower socio-economic status have a shorter average life expectancy. This has been known for some time, but the link with biological ageing was less clear. The new data shows that changes in DNA, as measured by epigenetic clocks, may play a role in the accelerated ageing of these groups. This means that their bodies show signs of old age more quickly than people from higher social strata.
The study highlights the complex interplay between lifestyle, social circumstances and the biological ageing process. Factors such as education, income and occupation not only influence the chances of a long and healthy life, but also how the body ages. Although epigenetic measurements cannot yet make definitive individual predictions, they do provide insight into the effects of social factors on healthy ageing.
For those growing older, this is important news. It shows that improving social conditions can contribute to better health in later life. Policies and care that take these differences into account can help to increase the quality of life of older people and reduce age-related problems.
Source: Reason
