Scientists at McMaster University have identified factors that appear to speed up biological aging. The study, published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A, explores how aging processes unfold in real people and what might influence them. A key element of the research is a biological clock that uses DNA methylation to estimate aging. DNA methylation changes occur without altering the underlying genetic code, and these changes can serve as markers of biological age. The researchers compare the methylation-derived age with an individual’s chronological age to assess the gap between the two.
The investigation analyzed epigenetic data from 1,445 adults aged 45 to 85. Findings suggest a connection between mental health, social context, and how quickly aging signs appear. In particular, symptoms of depression and living in less advantaged urban environments were linked with signs of accelerated aging, indicating that emotional and environmental stressors may influence aging trajectories. This line of work adds a nuanced layer to understanding how everyday life conditions impact long-term health outcomes. The study emphasizes that aging is not only a biological process but also something shaped by a person’s social and emotional world, a view supported by broader research across populations in North America.
The authors propose that the stress linked to depression could drive changes in body systems that promote faster deterioration over time. When social resources are scarce and opportunities feel out of reach, material deprivation can compound these effects. In other words, lacking supportive networks and access to resources may intensify physiological wear and tear, contributing to an older biological age relative to actual years lived. The results underscore the importance of addressing mental health and social determinants to improve aging outcomes, suggesting that interventions aimed at reducing emotional distress and improving social conditions could have a tangible impact on biological aging. This perspective aligns with ongoing work in public health that connects psychosocial well-being with measurable biomarkers of aging, offering a bridge between clinical observations and population health strategies. The study’s insights are a call for communities and policymakers to consider how housing, neighborhood safety, social services, and mental health care influence the aging process for diverse populations in North America.