"Does Living in Korea Make You Age Faster?" Shocking Study Reveals the Reasons

Distinct Differences in Aging Speed by Country
Social Inequality and Political Instability Accelerate Aging

Amid unprecedented global interest in slow aging, a study has revealed that the aging process of people living in Korea is faster than that of those residing in Europe. According to Medical Xpress, a medical news outlet, on September 1 (Korean time), the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College Dublin recently released international research findings analyzing the impact of social, political, and environmental factors on the rate of aging. The study was conducted using the 'global exposome' analytical framework.

Amid growing interest in slow aging, a study has revealed that the aging process of people living in Korea is faster than that of those living in Europe. Photo by Pixabay

The research was conducted on approximately 160,000 people across 40 countries worldwide. The research team calculated the difference between each participant's actual age and their predicted age, which was determined by considering their health status, cognitive function, educational level, and physical abilities. This difference was measured as the 'biological-behavioral age gap' (BBAG), with a greater gap indicating accelerated aging. The analysis found that the four Asian countries of Korea, China, India, and Israel had a slower rate of aging compared to Africa and Latin America, but overall, their aging rate was faster than that of European countries. The researchers identified key factors accelerating aging: physical environmental issues such as deteriorating air quality, social conditions including economic and gender inequality and migration challenges, and political factors such as restrictions on political participation and weakening democracy.

Agustin Ibanez, a professor at GBHI, Trinity College Dublin, who led the study, stated, "Air pollution, political instability, and inequality have a direct impact not only on social structures but also on individual health," adding, "Brain health should not be viewed solely as an individual responsibility but must be understood within a social and environmental context." Co-author Sandra Baez, a researcher at GBHI, also commented, "Aging is significantly influenced not only by personal choices or biological factors but also by social, political, and environmental conditions," emphasizing, "There are also clear differences between countries."