The international group of scientists has proven that the biological aging of man depends not only on the state of health, but also on the political system, the level of education, ecology and social justice. The results of a large -scale analysis conducted in 40 countries were published by Nature Medicine .
Education and freedom as the key to longevity
In the course of a three -year study, scientists analyzed physiological indicators (blood pressure, body mass index, etc.) in combination with social factors - in particular the level of democracy, freedom of speech, access to education and environmental state of the environment.
The main conclusion is that in countries with persistent democratic institutions, high levels of education and social well -being, citizens are growing much slower. Instead, political instability, poverty, inequality and pollution of the environment accelerate age -related changes.
Bio-behavioral gap: why some 50-year-olds have a 60-year-old body
Scientists have introduced a new indicator - a bioseed gap. It demonstrates the difference between a person's passport age and the condition of his body. For example, if a 50-year-old has a 60-year-old health rate, its bio-behavior gap is 10 years.
The largest breaks are recorded in Egypt and South Africa. There, biological aging occurs much faster than chronological. The best situation is in most European countries where aging is slow and consistent. The regions of Asia and Latin America occupy an intermediate position.
Education and Activity are natural anti-lands
Among the most effective factors in slowing down are not expensive additives, but banal education. It is, according to the authors of the study, that provides long -term protection against premature aging. Physical activity, memory development, cognitive flexibility and stress resistance are also important.
Separately, scientists emphasize the role of chronic stress - it causes inflammatory processes in the body that accelerate age -related changes. The sources of such stress are political instability, corruption, economic inequality and lack of freedoms.
Policy as a health strategy
Researchers say that the conclusions obtained can become the basis for new state health strategies. Instead of struggle only with the medical effects of aging, governments should pay more attention to strengthening democratic institutions, increasing education, reducing inequality and environmental recovery.
The study authors plan to continue the observation for another 10-20 years to understand the aging mechanisms more deeply. Of particular interest are the participants in which the biological age was lower than chronological - the study of their cases can be the key to solving longevity.
