Scientists from the University of Essex have found that renters may age faster than homeowners. The study was published on: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
The authors analyzed data from 1,420 British adults who participated in a long-term study that started in the 1990s. Their biological ages were assessed by DNA methylation (chemical changes in the genome that determine gene activity that changes with aging).
Researchers found that compared to people who own homes (and don’t pay off their mortgages), renters show signs of faster biological aging. The authors took into account other social and medical factors that may influence biological age.
Interestingly, the biological ages of people renting social housing at low prices did not differ from those of homeowners. In the UK, where the research was conducted, social housing is generally better protected than private homes; there is less old toxic paint on the walls and more careful inspection for mold or insects. Scientists say this could explain the results.
Additionally, stress resulting from tenants’ uncertainty about their housing may contribute to accelerated biological aging; This is also supported by previous research. People who report falling behind on rent payments or living in housing with high levels of pollution are aging particularly quickly. Financial difficulties can cause people to choose between paying rent and going to the doctor.
An extreme form of housing insecurity (homelessness) is associated with accelerated aging, the researchers noted. Frailty and cognitive impairment seen in homeless and elderly people can occur 20 years earlier than normal.
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