Health and Me

Ishita Roy

How Does Your Lifestyle And Environment Impact Aging?

Ageing

<span>Aging</span> has always scared people because it slows down you body, the functions in your body also slows down. Your bones become weak, skin loosens, and you might have to put in extra efforts too just to leave the bed. You are no longer a party animal, a night owl, like you used to be. Researchers too have long been trying to understand aging better to help people live healthier and longer lives. It is true the genetics play a big role, however, lifestyle and environmental factors are also to be held responsible on how we age. A recent study published in Nature Medicine highlights how factors like smoking, physical activity, and living conditions affect aging and the risk of diseases.

The study analyzed data from nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank to examine the impact of 164 different lifestyle and environmental factors on aging and the risk of diseases. Researchers used a unique tool called an “aging clock” to measure biological aging, rather than just counting years.

An aging clock estimates a person’s biological age by analyzing molecular markers in the body rather than their actual years lived. According to Dr. Austin Argentieri, the study’s first author, this method helps predict the risk of diseases and mortality more accurately.

The research team used a “proteomic aging clock,” which examines proteins in the blood to estimate biological age. This tool helped identify lifestyle and environmental factors that influence aging the most.

<h4>What Influences The Most In Aging?</h4>

The study also noted 25 key environmental and lifestyle factors linked to aging, of which 23 are modifiable. These include:

<ul><li>Smoking status</li><li>Physical activity</li><li>Socioeconomic conditions (education, income, employment)</li><li>Sleep patterns</li><li>Living conditions (type of housing, heating methods)</li><li>Frequency of feeling tired</li></ul>Among these, smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions had the greatest influence on aging and disease risk. Smoking alone was associated with 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors and frequent tiredness were linked to 19 diseases.

<h4>Environmental vs. Genetic Influence on Aging</h4>

The study revealed that environmental factors explain 17% of the variation in mortality risk, while genetic predisposition accounts for less than 2%. Environmental influences had a particularly strong impact on lung, heart, and liver diseases, whereas genetic risk remained dominant for conditions like dementia and breast cancer.

“This means we have a major opportunity to reduce early deaths by improving environmental and economic conditions,” said Argentieri. The findings suggest that lifestyle and surroundings are far more important than genetics in determining health and longevity.

<h4>More Research Needed on Environmental Risks</h4>

Experts agree that while this study highlights key environmental risks, there are still many unidentified factors that contribute to aging and disease. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen emphasized that addressing modifiable factors like smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce global disease burdens.

Dr. Wael Harb added that further research should focus on understanding how these factors accelerate aging. Future studies could also explore interventions like smoking cessation programs and promoting physical activity to slow aging and reduce mortality.

Additionally, integrating more advanced biological research—such as genomics and metabolomics—could help create personalized health strategies. Replicating these findings across diverse populations would also strengthen the results.

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Aging has always scared people because it slows down you body, the functions in your body also slows down. Your bones become weak, skin loosens, and you might have to put in extra efforts too just to leave the bed. You are no longer a party animal, a night owl, like you used to be. Researchers too have long been trying to understand aging better to help people live healthier and longer lives. It is true the genetics play a big role, however, lifestyle and environmental factors are also to be held responsible on how we age. A recent study published in Nature Medicine highlights how factors like smoking, physical activity, and living conditions affect aging and the risk of diseases.Does Environment Affect Aging?The study analyzed data from nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank to examine the impact of 164 different lifestyle and environmental factors on aging and the risk of diseases. Researchers used a unique tool called an “aging clock” to measure biological aging, rather than just counting years.What Is an Aging Clock?An aging clock estimates a person’s biological age by analyzing molecular markers in the body rather than their actual years lived. According to Dr. Austin Argentieri, the study’s first author, this method helps predict the risk of diseases and mortality more accurately.The research team used a “proteomic aging clock,” which examines proteins in the blood to estimate biological age. This tool helped identify lifestyle and environmental factors that influence aging the most.What Influences The Most In Aging?The study also noted 25 key environmental and lifestyle factors linked to aging, of which 23 are modifiable. These include:Smoking statusPhysical activitySocioeconomic conditions (education, income, employment)Sleep patternsLiving conditions (type of housing, heating methods)Frequency of feeling tiredAmong these, smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions had the greatest influence on aging and disease risk. Smoking alone was associated with 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors and frequent tiredness were linked to 19 diseases.Environmental vs. Genetic Influence on AgingThe study revealed that environmental factors explain 17% of the variation in mortality risk, while genetic predisposition accounts for less than 2%. Environmental influences had a particularly strong impact on lung, heart, and liver diseases, whereas genetic risk remained dominant for conditions like dementia and breast cancer.“This means we have a major opportunity to reduce early deaths by improving environmental and economic conditions,” said Argentieri. The findings suggest that lifestyle and surroundings are far more important than genetics in determining health and longevity.More Research Needed on Environmental RisksExperts agree that while this study highlights key environmental risks, there are still many unidentified factors that contribute to aging and disease. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen emphasized that addressing modifiable factors like smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce global disease burdens.Dr. Wael Harb added that further research should focus on understanding how these factors accelerate aging. Future studies could also explore interventions like smoking cessation programs and promoting physical activity to slow aging and reduce mortality.Additionally, integrating more advanced biological research—such as genomics and metabolomics—could help create personalized health strategies. Replicating these findings across diverse populations would also strengthen the results.