18.03.2025.

A new study from the UK reveals that people from disadvantaged backgrounds face a significantly higher risk of developing age-related diseases, with some conditions occurring twice as often compared to those in more privileged circumstances.

Researchers analyzed data from various patient groups, examining 83 diseases linked to ageing, including osteoporosis, cataracts, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

They also studied blood samples to measure protein levels associated with biological ageing.

The findings suggest that individuals with higher education, better living conditions, and higher income show fewer biological signs of ageing. In contrast, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had a 20% greater risk of developing these diseases.

The study also found that 14 specific plasma proteins—linked to inflammation and cellular stress, both key ageing factors—were affected by socioeconomic status.

Encouragingly, the research indicates that upward social mobility can positively impact biological ageing.

Individuals who started with lower education but later achieved middle or high social status had healthier protein profiles, suggesting that improving one’s socioeconomic position may slow ageing at a biological level.

Although the study is observational and does not establish direct cause-and-effect, researchers suggest that lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, diet, exercise, and access to healthcare likely play a role in these disparities.

The findings highlight the importance of addressing social inequalities to promote healthier ageing for all.