Black Americans are biologically about nine years older on average than white Americans of the same chronological age, according to a new study that links this disparity to inequitable social and economic experiences stemming from racism.
The research found that adverse exposures across the lifespan, including racialized poverty, discrimination, and major life stressors, lead to faster biological aging among Black individuals.
“An individual’s aging process has multiple influences over the life course that can accelerate or slow biological aging,” said lead author Courtney Boen of the University of Pennsylvania. “Racial aging disparities are not inherent biological differences but reflect the cumulative impacts of multiple social factors.”
The study analyzed data from a longitudinal study of Americans over 50, examining blood samples and self-reported health, social, and economic experiences. Researchers used three measures of biological aging incorporating multiple biomarkers.
Results support the “weathering hypothesis” that repeated exposure to racism physically damages the body over time through stress reactions. However, the authors emphasize these disparities are preventable through social interventions.
Boen highlighted closing the racial wealth gap as a key strategy, noting financial support across the lifespan could significantly reduce aging and health disparities between Black and white Americans.
The researchers suggest policies providing economic assistance to low-income families, similar to pandemic-era programs, could lead to long-term population health improvements and help address racial inequities in aging and health outcomes.
See “How Racism “Gets Under the Skin” and Prematurely Ages Black People” (January 17, 2024)
