Social determinants of health linked to faster genetic aging

So, the shape and form of our societies affects our health. A society can be sick and the symptoms are expressed through our bodies and, no doubt, minds. It's definitely not a new idea but it's good to have some real, scientific evidence and another mechanism by which it occurs (epigenetic). For those in a position to be able to do something about it, I don't think such an idea will have much purchase. They don't care. Maybe some even believe society doesn't exist.

I was immediately interested in how two studies on epigenetic age acceleration (accelerated biological aging) made a debut today.

The one that I enjoyed reading most was printed today in Psychological Science (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09567976231194221) (First e-posted online in September), indicating that increases in positive parenting practices, and decreases in negative-parenting practices, may protect young children with developmental delay from accelerated epigenetic aging associated with early-life adversity.

And showing that caregivers dealing with hardship can protect children from the negative effects of stress, particularly when caregivers are provided access to effective interventions designed to enhance parenting.

True, it was a small study, so replication will be necessary. But I like reading work that provides an emphasis on acknowledging the needs of caregivers, and "how enhancing the family environment may promote resilience and may positively alter stress-related physiological systems among youth, potentially mitigating the risk of prospective development of chronic mental and physical health outcomes."

And turning back the clock and building stronger biologically based resilience? What's not to like?

I was immediately interested in how two studies on epigenetic age acceleration (accelerated biological aging) made a debut today.

Thanks for the references, I was aware only of one.

I was immediately interested in how two studies on epigenetic age acceleration (accelerated biological aging) made a debut today.

Good point. Helpful; although I had been familiar with both studies.