A study involving 1,309 people found that positive social experiences were associated with longer life expectancy, while adverse experiences in childhood were linked to a higher risk of earlier death. Scientists believe one of the key mechanisms underlying this association may be the acceleration or slowing of epigenetic aging.
The findings were published in the journal npj Aging.
The study participants were drawn from several waves of the U.S. Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project. Their average age was 51, and the mean follow-up period was 14.7 years. During that time, 150 participants died.
The researchers assessed participants’ social experiences, health status, physiological effects of chronic stress, and epigenetic clocks—biomarkers used to estimate the biological aging of the body.
In particular, the researchers analyzed GrimAge2, DunedinPACE, and PhenoAge.
People who reported more positive social experiences showed a slower rate of epigenetic aging. These experiences included marriage, having and raising children, volunteering, participating in professional, sports, and other groups, as well as helping other people.
Marriage was associated both with a lower risk of death and slower epigenetic aging. Participation in various groups and activities was also linked to slower aging according to the GrimAge2 and DunedinPACE measures.
At the same time, certain adverse childhood circumstances, including dropping out of school, were associated with a higher risk of death and accelerated epigenetic aging. Parental drug problems were also correlated with faster aging and a greater physiological burden on the body.
The strongest association was observed with the GrimAge2 measure. Acceleration of epigenetic aging according to this index accounted for approximately 59.8% of the association between positive social experiences and mortality risk, and about 42% of the association between adverse childhood experiences and mortality.
Other factors—including chronic diseases, functional limitations, and so-called allostatic load, which reflects the cumulative physiological impact of chronic stress—explained a smaller proportion of these associations.
However, the researchers emphasize that the study does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. In addition, participants in the biomarker component of the study were, on average, healthier and more socioeconomically advantaged volunteers, so the findings cannot be directly generalized to the entire U.S. population.
Nevertheless, the results point to a possible long-term connection between a person’s social life, biological aging, and lifespan.
The authors suggest that reducing adverse experiences in childhood and creating opportunities for positive social connections may play a role in preventing health problems later in life.
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