A recent study from the UK suggests that individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds may experience accelerated biological ageing. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that people from lower-income households face a significantly higher risk of age-related diseases compared to their wealthier counterparts. By examining 83 diseases linked to ageing and analyzing blood proteins, scientists uncovered a concerning connection between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
Socioeconomic Status and Age-Related Health Risks
Research has long suggested that higher socioeconomic status leads to better health. This study, led by Professor Mika Kivimaki from University College London (UCL), takes that understanding further. The team analyzed various factors such as education, neighborhood quality, and household income to explore their influence on biological ageing. Their findings reveal that individuals with the lowest socioeconomic status are 20% more likely to develop diseases associated with ageing, including osteoporosis, cataracts, and an enlarged prostate.
“The disparity in health outcomes is significant, with those in the lowest socioeconomic group at much higher risk for several diseases,” said Kivimaki. The study found that socioeconomic status not only impacts health but may also influence the speed at which we age.
Significant Disparities in Disease Risks
The study highlights particularly troubling disparities in specific diseases. People from the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds were found to be twice as likely to develop chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke when compared to the most advantaged individuals. These diseases, often linked to aging, were more prevalent in the economically disadvantaged, raising questions about the broader impact of poverty on long-term health.
By examining these disparities, the researchers emphasized that socioeconomic status can have lasting effects on health outcomes, pushing for more targeted efforts in addressing these inequalities.
The Role of Plasma Proteins in Biological Ageing
One of the key findings of the study involves the role of proteins in biological ageing. The researchers studied plasma proteins—thousands of which are known to reflect the biological age of different organs. “Ageing is reflected in the composition of proteins in our blood,” explained Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor at Stanford University and co-author of the study. These proteins help regulate inflammatory responses and cellular stress, both of which play critical roles in the aging process.
Fourteen plasma proteins were found to be influenced by an individual’s socioeconomic background, further illustrating how one’s financial and social circumstances can contribute to the biological ageing process. For example, individuals with lower socioeconomic status exhibited higher levels of proteins associated with inflammation and cellular stress, both of which are known to accelerate ageing.
Upward Social Mobility and Its Impact on Health
The study also found that upward social mobility could positively influence biological ageing. Individuals who began their lives with lower education levels but later achieved higher socioeconomic status showed more favorable plasma protein profiles. This suggests that improving one’s socioeconomic standing could potentially slow biological ageing and reduce the risks associated with age-related diseases.
This finding points to the importance of access to education, healthcare, and other resources that can help people move into higher social classes and improve their overall health.
The Importance of Addressing Social Determinants of Health
While the study’s findings are observational and cannot directly establish cause and effect, they underline the critical role that stress, diet, smoking, exercise, and healthcare access play in the ageing process. Researchers suggest that socioeconomic factors, including access to these lifestyle determinants, should be considered when addressing the health needs of disadvantaged populations.
Experts agree that combating socioeconomic disparities is key to improving public health. Although the study does not claim to have all the answers, it sheds light on the need for interventions aimed at addressing the broader social factors that influence biological ageing. By targeting these underlying factors, society can work toward a future where healthier ageing is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
The study offers valuable insights into how socioeconomic status influences biological ageing, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds facing a greater risk of age-related diseases. Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these disparities, not only to improve health outcomes but also to slow the process of ageing itself. While more research is needed to establish the exact mechanisms at play, this study highlights the urgent need for policies aimed at improving social and economic conditions to enhance public health.