The company we keep could affect our health
Rob Wilkinson/Alamy
Having negative influences in our lives can do more harm than we realize. These individuals may not only bring us down emotionally but could also be accelerating the aging process in our bodies.
Studies have shown that our social connections play a crucial role in determining our lifespan. Research suggests that social isolation can impact mortality rates as significantly as factors like obesity and lack of physical activity.
Furthermore, the quality of our relationships is just as important as the quantity. A study conducted at the University of Utah revealed that ambivalent relationships, known as “frenemies”, can hasten the shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps on chromosomes. This natural process of telomere shortening is associated with age-related diseases such as heart conditions.
Byungkyu Lee and his team at New York University delved into a more precise measure of aging by examining the effects of negative social ties on DNA methylation marks. These marks are indicative of epigenetic changes, where external factors can influence gene activity. Lee explains, “As we age, the pattern of these marks shifts predictably.”
In their study, 2232 participants provided saliva samples for epigenetic analysis and shared details about their relationships with key individuals in their social circle. Those who were identified as causing occasional or frequent issues were labeled as “hasslers”. Surprisingly, over half of adults reported having at least one hassler in their closest contacts.
The presence of hasslers was found to have a significant impact on epigenetic markers, with each hassler associated with a 0.5% acceleration in biological aging. This translates to individuals being biologically 2.5 months older, on average, than their chronological age due to negative social ties.
Lee’s team observed higher levels of inflammatory stress markers in individuals with negative relationships, which could potentially weaken the immune system. The biological effects of having a high number of hasslers were comparable to the difference between non-smokers and smokers.
Interestingly, the study found that hasslers who also provided some form of social support had a more detrimental impact. Lee explains, “The same person who comforts you today might criticize you tomorrow, causing more physiological harm than straightforwardly toxic relationships.”
Commenting on the study, Alex Haslam from the University of Queensland highlighted the significance of social relationships on health. He emphasized that a sense of belonging to a group may have a greater influence on aging than individual relationships within that group.
