Aging Rates Vary by Country. Politics Might Be Why

Aging Rates Vary by Country. Politics Might Be Why

Social inequality and weak democratic institutions are linked to faster aging, as are other environmental factors such as high levels of air pollution, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. Education emerges as a key factor that can slow down the aging process, providing protection against the negative impacts of societal and political influences.

The study, which spanned four continents and included 161,981 participants from 40 countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, aimed to identify the factors that contribute to accelerated aging. By harmonizing data sets and utilizing a machine-learning model to predict a person’s chronological age, researchers calculated each individual’s ‘biobehavioral age gap’ – the variance between their actual age and their predicted age based on the model.

The results revealed that high blood pressure, heart disease, hearing impairment, and other common medical conditions were associated with faster aging. Conversely, factors such as education, cognitive abilities, physical activity, and the ability to perform daily tasks emerged as protective elements against rapid aging.

Interestingly, the study found significant variations in aging rates across different countries. European nations exhibited slower aging rates, while Egypt and South Africa showed the fastest aging progression. The research also highlighted the impact of political and social factors on aging, with eroding democratic institutions, social inequality, gender inequality, and exposure to air pollution linked to accelerated aging.

Lead author Agustín Ibañez emphasized the importance of considering the long-term health implications of political polarization and societal unrest. The study underscored the need for tailored public policies that address the specific factors contributing to aging in different regions.

While the study provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between socio-economic, political, and environmental factors in aging, researchers acknowledged some limitations. The data sets had a follow-up period of only 4 years, prompting calls for more extended research timelines to capture the full spectrum of the aging process.

Overall, the study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of aging and underscores the importance of addressing societal inequalities and strengthening democratic institutions to promote healthy aging worldwide. The findings offer a roadmap for future research and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of aging on individuals and societies.

This article was originally published on July 14, 2025, in Nature Medicine and has been reproduced with permission.