Social relationships and epigenetic markers of aging in middle-aged and older adults: cross-sectional and prospective analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Social relationships play an important role in maintaining physical and psychological health. Epigenetic age is a potential mechanism underlying health-related aspects of social relationships. We aimed to assess the cross-sectional and prospective associations of social relationships and epigenetic age in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Blood DNA methylation data were collected from 6,208 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study at baseline (1990-1994, mean age = 59) and 1,110 at follow-up (2003-2007, mean age = 69). Four epigenetic aging measures were considered: PCPhenoAge, PCGrimAge, bAge, and DunedinPACE. Social relationship variables were collected via self-reported questionnaires at baseline, including social activities, living arrangem

SUBMITTER: Li DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12629536 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature