As populations across the western world grow older, consideration is being given to how to age in a healthy way, both physically and mentally.  What is perhaps being given somewhat less consideration is how our current lifestyles might be accelerating the aging process.

A recent study from the Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Public Health attempts to rectify that, and explores the impact poverty has on our ageing.

The researchers recruited several thousand middle aged people of varying physical and cognitive levels, before assessing their income over the preceding 22 years.  They discovered what appears to be a clear correlation between periods of financial hardship and early aging.

“Early ageing also means more treatment at an earlier age, and it is a burden both to the individual and the society. With our results, we show that poor finances are a strong indicator of early ageing – this knowledge can be used to prevent the problems. Many people do not necessarily experience any noticeably poorer physical capability until they are growing older and are therefore not aware that their bodies have begun to age prematurely. This means that there will be no focus on preventative measures until it is too late,” the authors say.

Early aging

Each participant undertook a range of physical and cognitive tests to gauge their general strength and function.  The results showed clear differences between those who spent a number of years during their adult life below the relative poverty threshold, with these people performing significantly worse than those who had not been below the threshold.

Not only were the financially challenged less physically capable, but they also suffered from a high inflammatory level, which is believed to be a sign that the body is in a state of alert.  It’s also often used as a marker for both illness and aging.

“The results draw a picture that groups which experience serious financial challenges several times in their adult lives age earlier than others. From a broader perspective, the results may inspire a reconsideration of the politically adopted reduced rates of public benefits,” the researchers conclude.