Study: Loneliness and unhappiness age faster than smoking

WEB DESK: Recent study revealed that loneliness and unhappiness can accelerate the aging process even more than smoking.

In a recent study published in Aging-US, the director of scientific business development at Deep Longevity in Hong Kong and the lead author of the study Dr Fedor Galkin stated: “We demonstrate [that] psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to one year and eight months to one’s biological age.” This effect surpasses the impact of biological sex, living area, marital status, and smoking.

According to the study, while everyone has a chronological age determined by their birthdate, there is also an “aging clock” influenced by genetics, life choices, and the environment. Molecular damage accumulates as people age, contributing to the development of diseases. Some individuals experience an “accelerated aging” process.

Read More: Study of cardiac arrest survivors reveals insight into near-death experiences

However, to define biological age, an international research team utilised blood panels from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) dataset, which focuses on Chinese adults.

The research aimed to establish a benchmark for successful aging, defined as individuals over 65 years old with no major disabilities, normal cognitive function, and social engagement.

China, with its large population of individuals over 65, provided valuable insights into aging trends. The researchers developed a new “aging clock” using data from 11,914 Chinese adults, a first of its kind for such a large Chinese cohort.

The “aging clock” is a digital model that estimates a person’s age by analysing their biomarkers. Individuals recognised as older by this model experience accelerated molecular aging processes.

The study identified several factors associated with accelerated aging, including a history of stroke, liver and lung diseases, smoking, and a vulnerable mental state characterised by feelings of hopelessness, unhappiness, and loneliness. Being single and residing in rural areas with limited access to medical services were also linked to accelerated aging.

The study’s limitations include the survey method used to assess psychological well-being and the focus on a Chinese older adult population. Replicating the findings in a Western population is necessary.

Early detection of accelerated aging has practical applications in preventing aging-related diseases and finding ways to slow down aging. FuturSelf.AI, a free assessment of psychological age, offers one such tool for this purpose.

The study’s findings underscore the nuanced nature of aging, where emotional well-being and social factors also play a significant role. Positive feelings and a pleasant psychological environment are associated with healthy longevity.