People from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds may experience faster biological ageing, according to a new study from the UK. Research shows that individuals from less privileged environments face double the risk of developing age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease compared to those from wealthier backgrounds. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, reveal a significant link between socioeconomic status and biological ageing, offering insights into health disparities across different social groups.
Socioeconomic Status and Health Risks Researchers examined patient groups while focusing on 83 diseases related to ageing, such as osteoporosis, cataracts, and stroke. Blood tests measuring proteins in plasma were also studied to analyze biological ageing patterns. Data concerning education level, neighborhood quality, and household income were carefully reviewed to understand how these factors contribute to overall health.
The study found that individuals with the lowest socioeconomic status had a 20% higher risk of developing age-related diseases compared to their wealthier counterparts. “For decades, we have known that social advantage leads to better health, but our research suggests it may also slow ageing itself,” said Mika Kivimaki, a professor at University College London (UCL) and the study’s lead author.
Certain diseases showed even wider disparities. The most disadvantaged individuals faced double the risk of developing severe conditions like type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke compared to those from the most advantaged groups.
The Role of Proteins in Biological Ageing The researchers also investigated how proteins in plasma relate to biological ageing. “Ageing is reflected in the composition of proteins in our blood, which includes thousands of proteins linked to biological ageing across different organs,” explained Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor at Stanford University and one of the study’s authors.
The study identified fourteen plasma proteins affected by socioeconomic status. Many of these proteins regulate inflammatory and cellular stress responses, which are known to influence the ageing process. Furthermore, the research indicated that individuals who experienced upward social mobility—those who started with low education but later achieved middle or high social status—had more favorable protein profiles associated with healthier ageing.
Implications and Future Research Though the study is observational and does not establish direct cause and effect, the researchers suggested that factors such as stress, smoking, diet, exercise, and healthcare access could influence the ageing process. Understanding how socioeconomic conditions impact biological ageing may pave the way for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes across all social groups.