Research on 2,000 Adults at NYU
"Discrimination Experiences Accelerate Biological Aging"
A study has found that the more discrimination people experience in their daily lives, the faster their biological aging progresses.
On the 10th, Yonhap News reported that a team led by Professor Adolfo Cuevas from the Global Public Health School at New York University confirmed this fact through a survey of about 2,000 adults and published the findings in the medical journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Health on the same day.
Sign appearing at the anti-racism march (This photo is not directly related to the article) Photo by Yonhap News
To investigate the relationship between discrimination and aging, the researchers collected blood samples and survey data from over 2,000 participants in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, which has been tracking psychological, social factors, and health of Americans aged 25 to 47 since 1995.
The survey included questions about three types of discrimination experiences. The types of discrimination were categorized as 'everyday discrimination,' which includes minor rudeness occurring in daily life such as in restaurants or stores; 'major discrimination,' such as physical threats from police officers; and 'workplace discrimination,' including unfair practices at work.
They then analyzed the blood samples to examine DNA methylation levels, an indicator used to assess the biological impact of stress and aging processes, and analyzed these results alongside the survey responses.
The results showed that experiences of discrimination are associated with accelerated biological aging, with those who experienced more discrimination aging biologically faster than those who experienced less. Among the three types of discrimination, everyday discrimination and major discrimination were found to have a greater impact on aging. Workplace discrimination was related to accelerated aging but its effect was relatively smaller.
Professor Cuevas stated, "This study links discrimination to molecular-level changes, revealing a potential fundamental cause of disparities in aging-related diseases and mortality," adding, "It appears that experiences of discrimination accelerate the aging process and contribute to disease and premature death rates."
Previous studies have shown that people who experience identity-related discrimination based on race, gender, weight, disability, and other factors have increased risks of health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, and depression. There have also been studies suggesting a biological link between discrimination and aging. However, the biological mechanisms through which discrimination affects health problems or aging have not been clearly identified.
Further in-depth analysis revealed that two factors?smoking and body mass index (BMI)?accounted for about half of the association between discrimination and aging, while the remaining half was estimated to be influenced by other stress responses such as increased cortisol levels and sleep deprivation.
Professor Cuevas added, "It seems there are various processes connecting psychosocial stress factors and biological aging," emphasizing, "These findings highlight the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination to promote healthy aging and improve health equity."
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