Named habit that can slow down aging

Scientists from Cornell University have established that stable social connections can slow down biological aging of the organism and reduce inflammation levels. The study is published in the scientific journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health (BB&IH). The work analyzed data from more than two thousand adult participants of the long-term project MIDUS (Midlife in the United States).

For assessment, an integral indicator was used - "cumulative social advantage" (CSA), which includes factors such as strong family ties, emotional support, participation in religious and social communities.

The results showed that in people with high CSA levels, epigenetic clocks - biomarkers that reflect the rate of aging of the organism - "lagged behind" chronological age. These participants also had lower levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein associated with accelerated aging.

However, the researchers did not find a significant association between CSA and levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, cortisone, and catecholamines. This suggests that the influence of social factors on aging is more likely related to epigenetic changes and inflammatory processes rather than stress responses.

The authors emphasize that maintaining social contacts is not only a source of psychological comfort but also an important physiological resource. The results of the study confirm that social connections are closely linked to biological mechanisms of health and can contribute to slowing down aging and extending active life.