Study Links Familial Loss to Accelerated Biological Aging

Columbia University research reveals that losing close family members is associated with faster aging at the cellular level, especially when losses occur in childhood or early adulthood.

The study used DNA markers called epigenetic clocks to measure biological aging.
Data was drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.
Participants who experienced multiple losses showed more significant aging markers.
Losses during key developmental stages have a more pronounced impact on biological aging.
The research highlights the need for support systems to help individuals cope with familial loss.