According to a recent study, our relationships can influence how our bodies age. This concept is the results of an analysis of data from over 2,100 adults in the MIDUS (Midlife in the United States) study. Published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity – Health by researchers from Harvard University and Cornell University. The research shows that strong, stable social ties are associated with slower biological aging.
Scientists used epigenetic clocks, which are devices that “read” chemical changes on DNA, to measure this. Those with lifelong family and community support had “younger cells,” or less cellular aging, according to two of the most accurate clocks, GrimAge and DunedinPACE.
Anthony Ong‘s team also discovered less inflammation, particularly lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. In other words, emotional support and connection could extend our lives by slowing down our body’s deterioration. And they could also improve our mental health and general well-being.
How your biology and relationships “talk” to each other
Instead of counting birthdays, epigenetic clocks identify DNA signals that match biological aging. According to this study, those who developed close, lasting relationships—from a loving childhood to adulthood connected to their community—showed a higher “molecular age.”
In order to capture a lifetime network of social ties, the team developed an indicator known as “cumulative social advantage.” Where quality and consistency are more important than making a ton of friends right away.
“Cumulative social advantage is really about the depth and breadth of your social connections across life,” as Anthony Ong put it. “We looked at four key areas: the warmth and support you received from parents growing up, how connected you feel to your community and neighborhood, your participation in religious communities, and ongoing emotional support from friends and family,” he continued.
Based on these data, GrimAge and DunedinPACE calculated that people with high cumulative social advantage seemed to be between 9% and 12% biologically “younger,” which is a visible indication that social ties can slow down cellular aging.
Less inflammation, better health: what’s happening inside
Besides DNA, the researchers looked at inflammation markers, which usually increases over time and with chronic stress. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was an important one. What did they discover? IL-6 was lower in those that had more stable emotional support systems, which suggests that their bodies are less inflammatory and may be better able to resist deterioration.
This reflects deeper, and slower processes, like immune system function, DNA regulation, and biological aging rates.
According to the authors, social connection works like a “biological buffer,” because they reduce chronic inflammation and constant immune activation. Having a companion as we are getting older may provide cellular protection and emotional comfort. Which will later result in better mental health, increased longevity, and overall well-being.
Applying this to day-to-day activities
The message from the moment is that maybe we should care about our social bonds as much as we should care about food or exercise. It may be possible to slow biological aging by making un investment in community, creating emotional support networks, and keeping up relationships with our loved ones. But for it to work, there has to be a real and honest connexion.
“The earlier you start investing and the more consistently you contribute, the greater your returns. Our study shows those returns aren’t only emotional; they are biological. People with richer, sustained social connections literally age more slowly at the cellular level. Aging well means staying healthy and staying connected—they’re inseparable,” explains Anthony Ong.
This point of view combines social psychology and social biology, and in a time where people spend more and more time watching at screens and less time with each other, we should listen to the evidence, and put a priority in company, conversations, and hugs.