A new study finds people who stay socially engaged as they age have a lower median biological age, healthier behaviors, and a lower risk of dying.
Staying socially active could add years to your life, a new study finds.
Researchers say people over 60 who remain socially engaged experience slower biological aging and reduce their risk of death.
While chronological age refers to your age in years, biological age is based on the level of damage in your cells, tissues and organs over time.
The researchers followed nearly 23-hundred seniors who completed psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaires and provided blood samples.
After 4 years of monitoring, the results showed high social engagement was associated with a 42% lower risk of death.
Participants with the highest engagement had a lower median biological age, healthier behaviors, and were less likely to have depressive symptoms
Activities like charity work, engaging with grandchildren, and participating in sports or social clubs were most strongly linked to reduced mortality.
The lead author says these findings show, “Staying socially active is more than a lifestyle choice. It is closely linked to healthier aging and longevity,”
Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Author Affiliations: University of California, San Francisco, Harvard Medical school
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