A recent study from Oxford University challenges the idea that “good genes” are the reason for good health. The study identified 25 environmental factors that have a significant impact on mortality and biological aging, with smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions being the most influential.
Researchers found that environmental factors explained 17% of the variation in the risk of death, compared to less than 2% explained by genetic predisposition. This highlights the importance of factors that can be changed either by individuals or through policy interventions to improve health outcomes.
The study used data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants to assess the influence of environmental factors and genetic risk scores on aging, age-related diseases, and premature death. Through a new measure of aging called an ‘aging clock,’ researchers were able to identify how rapidly individuals are aging based on blood protein levels.
Lead author Dr. Austin Argentieri emphasized the importance of focusing interventions on environmental contexts, socioeconomic factors, and behaviors to prevent age-related diseases and premature death. The research shows that while individual exposures may have a small impact on mortality, the combined effect of multiple exposures plays a significant role in premature death.
Overall, the study underscores the potential benefits of addressing environmental and lifestyle factors to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic diseases. The findings present opportunities for individuals and policymakers to make meaningful changes that can lead to a longer and healthier life.
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