![Meditation for better well-being in old age](https://tipsforwomens.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Meditation-for-better-well-being-in-old-age.jpeg)
Our body’s aging processes are influenced by numerous factors, some of which have extremely detrimental effects, while others slow down natural aging. For example, yoga, coffee consumption and good sleep quality are linked to slower epigenetic aging, according to a new study.
Using so-called epigenetic clocks (DNA methylation clocks), a Polish research team investigated how various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors affect biological aging. The results are published in the specialist magazine “GeroScience”.
Measuring biological age
To measure biological age, which can differ significantly from a person’s chronological age, aging researcher Steve Horvath developed the epigenetic clock around ten years ago. This determines the epigenetic age based on 353 DNA methylation sites.
Individual studies have also shown that certain factors such as obesity have a direct influence on DNA methylation clocks. The new research took into account a wide range of possible influencing factors.
These factors have an influence
Using DNA methylation clocks in 1,000 human blood samples and oral mucus swabs, the researchers demonstrated that practicing yoga, for example, leads to a reduction in epigenetic aging.
Vegetable consumption and coffee consumption were also associated with lower levels of epigenetic aging, the team reports. A university degree also has beneficial effects on biological age.
In addition, sufficient sleep and physical activity were associated with a lower risk of mortality in the data set, the researchers explain.
Also read:
- Coffee protects against cardiovascular diseases and increases life expectancy
- Life expectancy: Live longer thanks to walking ten minutes a day
- Life expectancy: nine factors for healthy aging
On the other hand, according to the experts, smoking, a higher body mass index (BMI) and meat consumption had adverse effects and accelerated epigenetic aging.
The team also conducted a series of genome-wide association analyzes to determine possible genetic influences. A SOCS2 gene variant is therefore associated with slower epigenetic aging.
Practical approaches can be derived
Overall, the study results indicate that epigenetic aging can be slowed down through yoga, sufficient sleep, coffee and reduced meat consumption, among other things. The researchers hope that the insights gained could also have a practical impact on the development of health programs to prevent age-related diseases. (fp)