Key points from article :
A new study published in Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health, led by Dr. Anthony Ong and colleagues, reveals that lifelong supportive social connections can slow biological ageing. Analysing data from over 2,100 participants in the Midlife in the United States study, researchers found that people with stronger and more consistent social networks had slower rates of ageing and lower inflammation. These benefits were linked to the idea of “cumulative social advantage” — the combined depth and breadth of social relationships across one’s lifetime.
The team focused on epigenetic clocks such as DunedinPACE and GrimAge, which track molecular changes in DNA to estimate biological age. Participants who experienced greater emotional support from family, friends, and communities showed younger biological profiles on these markers. The study looked at four dimensions of connection — childhood warmth, community belonging, religious involvement, and ongoing emotional support — all of which contributed to healthier ageing patterns.
The researchers suggest that these social advantages influence the body’s key ageing pathways, including inflammatory and neuroendocrine systems. Participants with strong lifelong bonds had lower levels of an inflammation-driving molecule associated with chronic diseases like heart disease, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.
Dr. Ong compares social connection to a “retirement account”: the earlier and more consistently one invests in relationships, the greater the long-term health returns. The findings underscore that social connection isn’t just a source of happiness but a fundamental driver of cellular health — showing that ageing well depends as much on relationships as it does on biology.
