Researchers say that genetic factors may not be as crucial in determining our age as previously thought, with lifestyle and environmental factors playing a significant role. A new study published in Nature Medicine analyzed data from over half a million people and found that environmental elements, such as household income and socioeconomic status, accounted for 17% of the variation in risk of death, compared to less than 2% attributed to genetic predisposition.
The study’s findings suggest that making lifestyle choices can help slow down biological aging. Experts recommend aiming for seven hours of sleep per night, eating a plant-forward diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels. These changes can have a significant impact on our age and disease development risk, even if the benefits are not as dramatic as those associated with genetic interventions.
According to Dr. Alfred F. Tallia, professor and chair of family medicine and community health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, environmental factors such as air pollution and toxins play a major role in accelerating aging and increasing the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Lifestyle factors, including smoking and lack of exercise, also contribute to cellular damage and inflammation.
The study’s lead author, M. Austin Argentieri, PhD, notes that diet was not included in the analysis due to limitations in data quality. However, experts agree that lifestyle choices can help mitigate aging and disease risk, even if the relationship between genetics and aging is complex. By taking control of our environment and making healthy lifestyle choices, we may be able to “dial back” our biological age and reduce our risk of age-related diseases.
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63904350/environmental-lifestyle-factors-aging-study