Your Social Connections Could Slow Down Biological Aging: Study Suggests - Video

Building and maintaining deep social connections across a lifetime may do more than boost emotional well-being; it could actually slow biological aging. A new study published in the Brain, Behavior and Immunity – Health reveals that people with greater “cumulative social advantage” exhibit younger biological ages, as measured by epigenetic clocks, than their less-connected peers.

The research, led by Anthony Ong, a psychology professor at Cornell University, drew on data from over 2,100 adults participating in the long-running Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. By examining DNA methylation patterns, chemical changes that influence gene activity, the team assessed biological age using two leading epigenetic clocks: GrimAge and DunedinPACE. These clocks are considered strong predictors of disease risk and mortality. Adults who reported deeper, long-term social ties were found to have significantly younger biological profiles and lower levels of chronic inflammation.

Unlike previous studies that examined isolated aspects of social life, this research used a broader, multidimensional lens to capture the impact of sustained social support. The researchers found that people with higher social advantage also had reduced levels of interleukin-6, a molecule linked to inflammation and age-related diseases. However, no associations were found with short-term stress markers like cortisol.

“Cumulative social advantage is really about the depth and breadth of your social connections over a lifetime,” Ong explained. “We looked at four key areas: the warmth and support you received from your parents growing up, how connected you feel to your community and neighborhood, your involvement in religious or faith-based communities, and the ongoing emotional support from friends and family.”

“What’s striking is the cumulative effect — these social resources build on each other over time,” Ong said. “Our study shows those returns aren’t just emotional; they’re biological.”

The findings reinforce the idea that meaningful social engagement isn’t just a source of happiness but a key factor in physiological resilience.

Reference: Anthony D. Ong, Frank D. Mann, Laura D. Kubzansky. Cumulative social advantage is associated with slower epigenetic aging and lower systemic inflammation. Brain, Behavior,, 2025; 48: 101096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2025.101096