Written by Corrie Pelc — Fact-checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.
Researchers are continuously exploring ways to understand aging better. Their goal? To help us live longer, healthier lives.
Key Environmental Factors Influencing Aging
In a recent study, scientists looked at medical data from nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank. They wanted to see how 164 different lifestyle and environmental components affect aging, age-related diseases, and premature death.
Dr. Austin Argentieri, a research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the study. He emphasized that while genetics plays a role, environmental factors have a significant impact on aging. They used a model called an “aging clock” to analyze which factors are most influential.
What is an ‘Aging Clock’?
An “aging clock” estimates biological age based on molecular markers in the body, rather than just counting years lived. It measures how your body ages internally.
Researchers previously created a proteomic aging clock that assesses biological age using blood proteins and machine learning. This clock is a powerful predictor of mortality and chronic diseases.
Top Influential Factors
The study identified 25 lifestyle and environmental factors linked to mortality and biological aging. Notably, 23 of these factors are modifiable. Here are some examples:
- Cheese consumption
- Skin tanning habits
- Years of education
- Employment status
- Ethnicity
- Frequency of feeling tired
- Gym usage
- History of financial challenges
- Household income
- Physical activity levels
- Sleeping hours
- Smoking status
- Type of housing
- Using open fires for heating
- Weight and height at 10 years old
Researchers found that smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions had the largest impact on aging. Smoking was linked to 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors and tiredness were associated with 19 diseases.
Dr. Argentieri pointed out that these findings suggest that improving basic aspects of life can significantly affect health and longevity. Rather than being distracted by the latest wellness trends, focusing on fundamental changes can be more beneficial.
Impact on Major Diseases
The study revealed that environmental factors contribute about 17% to the risk of death, while genetics account for less than 2% for major diseases. Environmental exposures notably affected lung, heart, and liver diseases, whereas genetics had a stronger influence on dementias and breast cancer.
“Our environments and lifestyles are almost ten times more important in determining mortality risk compared to genetics,” explained Dr. Argentieri. This means we can significantly lower early mortality by improving environmental and economic conditions.
Future Research Directions
More work is needed to identify further environmental risks related to aging. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, highlighted the importance of addressing modifiable lifestyle factors to reduce disease burdens globally. There are likely many unidentified environmental risks yet to explore.
Dr. Wael Harb, a hematologist and oncologist, underscored that this study invites more investigation into the specific ways environmental factors influence aging and disease. Long-term studies focused on interventions like smoking cessation and promoting physical activity could help verify if these changes indeed slow aging and reduce health risks.
Integrating various scientific data types will provide a clearer picture of how environmental and genetic factors work together. Replicating these findings in diverse populations will ensure accuracy and relevance.
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