A recent study suggests that people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds might age faster than those from wealthier backgrounds. The research found that people with lower income or education levels are at a higher risk of age-related diseases.
Socioeconomic Status and Health Risks
Research has long shown that wealthier people tend to be healthier. This new study from the University College London (UCL) shows that the poorer your socioeconomic status, the more likely you are to develop age-related diseases.
The study looked at 83 diseases linked to ageing, including conditions like osteoporosis, cataracts, and prostate problems. Researchers also examined blood tests to look at proteins in plasma, which can show how our bodies age.
The team analyzed data on education levels, income, and the quality of neighborhoods. They found that people with the lowest socioeconomic status had a 20% higher risk of developing age-related diseases compared to wealthier individuals.
Mika Kivimaki, the lead author from UCL, said, “For decades, we have known that social advantage leads to better health, but our research suggests it may also slow ageing itself.”
Disparities in Disease Risk
The study revealed that the most disadvantaged people had twice the risk of developing serious diseases. These include type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. This is alarming because these diseases are among the leading causes of death.
The research suggests that poverty, poor diet, and lack of access to healthcare may cause people to age faster. These factors put people from lower socioeconomic groups at a greater risk of developing diseases that are common in older age.
The good news is that the study also shows that moving up the social ladder can have a positive effect. People who started in lower social classes but later achieved higher status showed healthier biological ageing. This suggests that improving one’s socioeconomic status can help slow down the ageing process.
Proteins and Biological Ageing
To better understand biological ageing, the researchers focused on proteins found in blood plasma. These proteins play a role in bodily functions like immune responses and managing inflammation. As we age, the composition of these proteins changes.
Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor at Stanford University, explained, “Ageing is reflected in the composition of proteins in our blood, which includes thousands of proteins linked to biological ageing across different organs.”
The study found that 14 plasma proteins were affected by socioeconomic status. Some of these proteins are involved in controlling inflammation and stress, which are key factors in ageing.
Stress, Lifestyle, and Healthcare Access
While the study shows a link between socioeconomic status and biological ageing, it does not prove cause and effect. However, the researchers suggest that factors like stress, smoking, diet, and access to healthcare may contribute to faster ageing.
People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face more stress. They also may have limited access to quality healthcare and be more likely to smoke or eat poorly. These lifestyle factors can speed up the ageing process and increase the risk of developing diseases.
The study also points out that people with lower social status might not have the same access to medical care as wealthier people. Without timely medical treatment, it becomes harder to prevent or manage age-related diseases. This lack of access can worsen health outcomes and speed up biological ageing.
Moving Forward: Addressing Inequality
The study highlights the need for public health efforts to address these inequalities. By improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles, we could help reduce the impact of socioeconomic status on ageing.
Mika Kivimaki stressed that healthy ageing is possible for everyone. He said, “People with better socioeconomic conditions already experience healthier ageing. We can make it possible for everyone if we tackle these inequalities.”
Closing the gap between rich and poor could help reduce the health disparities that accelerate ageing. If people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to healthcare, education, and healthy lifestyles, they may experience slower biological ageing.
This research calls for action to improve the quality of life for people in disadvantaged communities. By addressing these factors, we could create a fairer society where everyone has the chance to age healthily.