Religiosity, spiritual practices, and epigenetic aging: Insights from a population-based sample of middle-aged US adults.

Jason J Ashe, Jemar R Bather, Alisha A Crump, Mario Sims, Karyn E Faber, David R Williams, Adolfo G Cuevas

Department of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected] of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are considered protective factors linked to extended longevity and optimal physiological health, but how these influences manifest remains unclear. Growing evidence suggests that the impact of R/S may be observable at the cellular level. This study aimed to investigate whether multiple dimensions of R/S were significantly associated with slower biological aging processes through changes in DNA methylation patterns.

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Research summary

The paper claims that multiple dimensions of religiosity and spirituality are associated with slower biological aging processes through changes in DNA methylation patterns. This research explores potential protective factors linked to longevity, which is directly relevant to understanding the mechanisms of aging.

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