Socioeconomic Status and Biological Aging
Author Information
Author(s): Shiels Paul G., McGlynn Liane M., MacIntyre Alan, Johnson Paul C. D., Batty G. David, Burns Harry, Cavanagh Jonathan, Deans Kevin A., Ford Ian, McConnachie Alex, McGinty Agnes, McLean Jennifer S., Millar Keith, Sattar Naveed, Tannahill Carol, Velupillai Yoga N., Packard Chris J.
Primary Institution: University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
Lower socio-economic status can accelerate biological ageing and predispose to early onset of disease.
Conclusion
Lower socio-economic status and poor diet are associated with accelerated biological ageing.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals with an income less than £25,000 showed a 7.7% reduction in telomere length per decade.
- Telomere length was positively associated with LDL and total cholesterol levels.
- Shorter telomeres were associated with increased levels of IL-6.
Takeaway
People with less money and a bad diet tend to age faster on a biological level.
Methodology
Telomere lengths were determined in peripheral blood leukocytes by Q-PCR for 382 individuals, with data on socio-economic status, biochemical parameters, and dietary intake.
Potential Biases
Potential confounders include the accuracy of self-reported socio-economic data.
Limitations
The study may be limited by its size and cross-sectional nature.
Participant Demographics
Participants were selected from the least and most deprived areas in Glasgow, stratified by age and gender.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.024
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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