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Love & Relationships

Strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level

Building strong relationships throughout life -- from loving parents in childhood to close friends, active communities, and faith involvemen

Portrait of Julia Moreau
Relationships · September 26, 2026
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Strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level
Strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level

Building strong relationships throughout life -- from loving parents in childhood to close friends, active communities, and faith involvement in adulthood -- may actually slow how the body ages. Researchers suggest that these "social advantages" can influence biological aging markers known as epigenetic clocks, which track changes in DNA methylation.

People who enjoy more supportive and connected lives often appear biologically younger than their chronological age. Long-Term Study Links Social Advantage to Youthful Biology The findings were published in the October issue of Brain, Behavior and Immunity -- Health and draw on data from over 2,100 adults who participated in the long-running Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.

First reported by ScienceDaily: Relationships.

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