Study: Social ties slow biological aging

Cornell University researchers report that higher 'cumulative social advantage'—strong family relationships, emotional support, community involvement, and religious engagement—correlates with slower biological aging in 2,117 U.S. adults. Published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity – Health, the study links richer social connections to slower epigenetic clocks and lower inflammation (notably lower IL-6), with no observed effect on stress hormones. Lead author Anthony Ong says the findings suggest sustained, high-quality social connections can measurably influence aging biology over time.