Slow Aging by Having Strong Relationships Over the Lifespan
Recent studies have demonstrated that having strong friendships/relationships over the lifespan can slow aging on a cellular level.
Researchers often write about the importance of our relationships (from parent/child to young friendships to friendships through adulthood) on our epigenetic clocks. Epigenetic clocks focus estimating the pace of our aging based on our molecular structures. These are impacted by many things, including “cumulative social advantages”—healthy and strong
friendships/relationships. Whereas much research looks at specific social aspects (e.g., being married or having a certain number of friends), researchers are now looking more towards the cumulative impact of a lifetime of friendships and relationships.
Anthony Ong, a psychology professor at Cornell University says, “Cumulative social advantage is really about the depth and breadth of your social connections over a lifetime. 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 friendships and family.” He
follows it by saying, “What’s striking is the cumulative effect—these social resources build on each other over time. It’s not just about having friends today; it’s about how your social connections have grown and deepened throughout your life. That accumulation shapes your health trajectory in measurable ways.”
Research shows that having a high social advantage is linked to lower levels of a pro-inflammatory molecule that is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. People have been shown to have fewer chronic conditions, lower body weight, fewer functional limitations/less difficulty with activities of daily living, and a decreased risk of mortality.
Here are some ways that you can cultivate a higher social advantage:
Focus on building strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and community
members
Be selective about the people that you spend time with
Develop and/or support programs that strengthen family bonds, encourage volunteerism, community and/or religious involvement, and build relationships
Articles:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm
https://aging.wisc.edu/2025/09/16/cumulative-social-advantage-is-linked-to-better-health-and-
reduced-mortality/