The Impact of Lifelong Social Connections on Molecular Aging and Health

Research indicates that maintaining strong social ties throughout life can significantly influence the biological process of aging. A comprehensive study utilizing DNA methylation analysis—specifically epigenetic clocks like GrimAge and DunedinPACE—reveals that individuals with more sustained social advantages tend to have a younger biological age compared to their chronological age. These social advantages include early-life parental support, community engagement, religious involvement, and ongoing emotional connections with friends and family.

The study, published in the October issue of Brain, Behavior and Immunity—Health, analyzed data from over 2,100 adults in the MIDUS study. Lead researcher Anthony Ong, a psychology professor at Cornell University, explains that higher cumulative social advantage correlates with lower levels of systemic inflammation, particularly reduced interleukin-6, a molecule linked to various age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, the research did not find significant relationships with short-term stress markers like cortisol.

This multifaceted approach to social health emphasizes the importance of the depth and consistency of social connections over a lifetime. The findings suggest that social resources act on core biological systems—including epigenetic, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine pathways—potentially offering resilience against age-related decline. Disparities in access to social resources, often shaped by race, socioeconomic status, and education, may thus contribute to disparities in biological aging and health outcomes, aligning with the "weathering hypothesis" that links chronic adversity to early health deterioration.

While a single supportive act might not reverse aging, the study underscores how lifelong, deep, and ongoing social connections can slow cellular aging and reduce inflammation, supporting overall health and longevity. This highlights social life as a fundamental component of physiological health, emphasizing its role beyond happiness or stress relief. Investing in meaningful relationships across the lifespan can lead to biological benefits, promoting healthier and more resilient aging processes.

For more details, see the original study: Anthony D. Ong et al, "Cumulative social advantage is associated with slower epigenetic aging and lower systemic inflammation," published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity—Health, 2025. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-lifetime-social-healthy-aging-molecular.html