Homepage > Research abstracts > Socioeconomic adversity, biobehavioral factors and aging indicators: A lifecourse approach among two generations in the Jerusalem Perinatal Study Cohort
Socioeconomic adversity, biobehavioral factors and aging indicators: A lifecourse approach among two generations in the Jerusalem Perinatal Study Cohort
Researchers: Hagit Hochner1, Salomon Israel1, Iaroslav Youssim1, Yechiel Friedlander1
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Background: Socio-economic position (SEP) and changes over time in SEP (social mobility) are strong predictors of aging-related morbidity and premature mortality. However, the effect of the environment on the rate of aging differs between people and is also a function of their cognitive, behavioral, and genetic traits.
Objectives: Using extensive longitudinal data from the Jerusalem perinatal study, we aimed to broadly examine the relationships between SEP and aging in offspring and parents, as well as the impact of socio-behavioral factors.
Method: Project 1 - Factors of Aging in Offspring: We used data on ~1400 offspring (age 32) and a subsample of ~600 offspring retested 10 years later (at age 42).
Project 2 - Factors of Aging in Parents: Based on over 30,000 mother-father pairs.
Project 3 - Intergenerational Correlation in the Aging Process, based on ~1400 offspring-parent trios.
Project 2 - Factors of Aging in Parents: Based on over 30,000 mother-father pairs.
Project 3 - Intergenerational Correlation in the Aging Process, based on ~1400 offspring-parent trios.
Findings: Project 1: Body size changes from birth to age 17 and age 17 to 32 were associated with higher biological age at 32. Birth weight positively correlated with cognitive performance. Lower education level and Ultra-Orthodox religiosity at age 32 predicted worse aging outcomes, while intense physical activity showed a negative association.
Project 2: We showed that marriages with a more educated partner were linked to decreased all-cause mortality in men. Having an older partner negatively affected the health of both sexes, while a younger partner had benefits for men.
Project 3: We demonstrated that parents had increased mortality as their offspring's biological age rose. These intergenerational associations were influenced by SEP and offspring sex.
Project 2: We showed that marriages with a more educated partner were linked to decreased all-cause mortality in men. Having an older partner negatively affected the health of both sexes, while a younger partner had benefits for men.
Project 3: We demonstrated that parents had increased mortality as their offspring's biological age rose. These intergenerational associations were influenced by SEP and offspring sex.
Conclusions: SEP and behavioral factors play significant roles in the aging process. Aging trajectories within families are influenced by environmental factors.
Recommendations: Our study reveals the substantial influence of socioeconomic and behavioral factors on population aging, not only among the elderly but also in young adults. These findings call for policy makers to define goals and implement early interventions to address accelerated aging in at-risk youth and families, promoting healthy aging in Israel and beyond.
Research number: A/202/2018
Research end date: 07/2023