When we experience the loss of a loved one, the emotional toll is profound. But what if I told you that it could also have a physical impact on your body? According to a new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Butler Columbia Aging Center, losing someone close, like a family member, can actually make you age faster. This groundbreaking research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that individuals who have experienced the loss of a parent, partner, sibling, or child show signs of accelerated biological aging compared to those who have not suffered such losses.
Biological aging is the gradual deterioration of how well our cells, tissues, and organs function, leading to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Scientists measure this type of aging using DNA markers known as epigenetic clocks. The lead author of the study, Allison Aiello, PhD, emphasized the significance of understanding how loss impacts these DNA markers across different stages of life, especially within a diverse sample that represents the U.S. population.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Carolina Population Center at UNC Chapel Hill, revealed that the effects of loss on aging can be observed early in life and may contribute to health disparities among racial and ethnic groups. By analyzing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, researchers were able to track participants from their teenage years into adulthood and examine the impact of familial loss during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Results showed that individuals who experienced multiple losses during adulthood exhibited older biological ages according to various epigenetic clocks, with a stronger association between multiple losses and accelerated aging compared to a single loss or no losses. The study also highlighted disparities in loss experiences among different racial and ethnic groups, with a higher proportion of Black and Hispanic participants reporting the loss of a loved one compared to White participants.
According to Aiello, the connection between loss and adverse health outcomes is well-established, with certain life stages being more vulnerable to the risks associated with loss. For instance, losing a parent or sibling early in life can lead to mental health issues, cognitive problems, and an increased risk of heart disease. The cumulative effect of repeated losses can further elevate the risks of heart disease, mortality, and dementia, with consequences that can persist long after the event.
The research team emphasized the importance of providing resources for coping and addressing trauma for individuals who have experienced loss. They underscored the need for future research to investigate ways to reduce disproportionate losses among vulnerable groups and mitigate the adverse health impacts associated with loss.
The study was supported by various grants and funding sources, with co-authors from institutions including North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia Mailman School and Butler Columbia Aging Center. As we continue to unravel the complexities of how loss influences our health and mortality, it is crucial to prioritize support and intervention for those navigating the challenges of grief and bereavement.
