A lifetime of social advantage has been shown in DNA measurements to slow the ageing process.
New research from Cornell University, in the United States, suggests the cumulative effect of social advantages across a lifetime, from parental warmth in childhood to friendship, community engagement and religious support in adulthood, may slow the biological processes of getting old.
Study first author Professor Anthony Ong said these social advantages appeared to set back “epigenetic clocks”, meaning a person’s biological age, as measured by analyzing DNA methylation patterns, was younger than their chronological age.
Professor Ong said researchers found that people with higher levels of what they called “cumulative social advantage” showed slower epigenetic ageing and lower levels of chronic inflammation.
He said the study focused on so-called epigenetic clocks, molecular signatures that estimated the pace of biological ageing.
“Cumulative social advantage is really about the depth and breadth of your social connections over a lifetime.
“We looked at four key areas: the warmth and support you received from your parents growing up, how connected you feel to your community and neighborhood, your involvement in religious or faith-based communities, and the ongoing emotional support from friends and family.”
Professor Ong said the study found higher social advantage was linked to lower levels of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory molecule implicated in heart disease, diabetes and neurodegeneration.
“What’s striking is the cumulative effect – these social resources build on each other over time.
“It’s not just about having friends today; it’s about how your social connections have grown and deepened throughout your life. That accumulation shapes your health trajectory in measurable ways.”
Read the full study: Cumulative social advantage is associated with slower epigenetic aging and lower systemic inflammation.
