Key points from article :
A major new study published in Nature Medicine has identified the countries where people age fastest—and slowest—by examining over 160,000 individuals from 40 countries across four continents. Researchers used a novel artificial intelligence model called the biobehavioural age gap clock to estimate the biological toll of environmental, social, and political conditions on ageing. This clock calculates the difference between a person’s actual age and the age predicted by their health and risk factors, offering a way to measure "accelerated" or "healthy" ageing.
The results showed stark global differences. People in Denmark aged the slowest, appearing on average 2.35 years biologically younger than their actual age, followed by the Netherlands and Finland. In contrast, Egypt topped the list for accelerated ageing, with people aging an average of 4.75 years faster than their chronological age. South Africa and several South American nations also ranked high for rapid ageing. Within Europe, eastern and southern regions showed faster rates than their northern and western counterparts.
The research revealed that healthy ageing isn’t just about lifestyle or genetics. Environmental factors like air quality, social aspects such as gender equality, and especially sociopolitical conditions—including political freedom, democratic governance, and trust in institutions—were found to be key contributors. In places where these conditions were poor, people aged faster and were more likely to experience functional and cognitive decline.
While the study does not establish cause-and-effect, it presents compelling evidence that public policy and societal structures can shape how we age. Importantly, individuals in lower-income countries aged faster even when accounting for their personal socioeconomic status, suggesting systemic issues play a critical role. Experts argue that these findings reinforce the need for universal access to education and healthcare to slow population-wide biological ageing and improve long-term health outcomes.
