Scientists have found that living conditions can accelerate the aging of the body

It's about biological markers of aging.

Details

The study was conducted by scientists from New York University.

They analysed data from 1215 adult participants, including:

• blood samples
• molecular markers of aging
• characteristics of where they lived

A key indicator was the level of CDKN2A, a marker of cellular aging.

The analysis showed:

• people with less favourable living conditions had higher levels of this marker
• the association persisted even when lifestyle and health status were taken into account
• socio-economic factors had the greatest influence

In particular:

• income level
• access to work
• housing stability

Why it matters

The results show that social conditions can affect the body at a deep level.

Researchers note:

• chronic stress can accelerate biological aging
• the effects accumulate over time
• it can increase the risk of disease

The study emphasises that health depends not only on habits, but also on environment.

Background

It has previously been known that people with different environments differ in health and longevity.

However, the impact at the cellular level has been much less studied.

Source

The study is based on analysing data from a national sample of adults in the US using biomarkers of ageing. The work is published in Social Science & Medicine (2026).