When looking at overall population health, white Americans often appear to age faster than other ethnicities. From outward appearances to underlying biological health, it often appears as if white people seem to experience faster rates of aging. But what is the cause for this? Below we will look at the different factors that contribute to faster aging in white people, as well as look at the genetic basis for this and investigate the lifestyle patterns that could lead to faster aging.
What Factors Contribute to Faster Aging in White People?
According to research, there are multiple factors that can lead to faster aging in white people. For example, a 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal found that white people have higher risks of certain diseases associated with premature aging, such as dementia, stroke, and hypertension. The study also found that white people are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are associated with premature or fast aging.
In addition, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that white people are more likely to suffer from diseases or conditions associated with faster aging, such as vision and hearing loss, certain cancers, arthritis, and dementia. Furthermore, the report also found that white people are more likely to smoke and abuse drugs, two behaviors that can contribute to faster aging.
Is There a Genetic Basis for Faster Aging?
While there are many environmental and lifestyle factors that can contribute to faster aging in white people, genetics may also play a role. A 2017 study published in the journal Aging Cell found that white people have higher rates of telomere shortening than other ethnicities, which is associated with aging.
Telomeres are caps at the end of every chromosome which help protect our genetic material. As we age, telomeres become shorter and frayed, which can lead to an accelerated aging process. White people were found to have shorter telomeres than their black counterparts, suggesting that there may be a genetic basis for faster aging.
Are Lifestyle Choices a Factor in Faster Aging?
Our lifestyle choices can be an important indicator of how rapidly we age. Poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking, consuming high amounts of alcohol, and a lack of exercise can all contribute to faster aging. These bad habits can lead to diseases and illnesses that are associated with premature aging, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Furthermore, a lack of sleep and stress can also accelerate the aging process. Research has found that white people have higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can lead to stress. Stress has been linked to a shorter lifespan, as well as increased risks of certain diseases. On the other hand, getting enough sleep is important as it helps support your immune system and reduces oxidative stress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple factors that can contribute to faster aging in white people. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and a lack of sleep, can cause accelerated aging, as can genetic factors such as telomere shortening. It is important to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing diseases associated with faster aging, such as heart disease and cancer. While white people may accelerate their aging rate, it is still possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
References
Merom, D., D’Souza, R., Ward, B., Lynch, J., Richardson, K., Taylor, A., . . . Anstey, K. (2018). Ethnic differences in risk factors for cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke and cardiovascular diseases. British Medical Journal, 361(1). Retrieved from: <www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k1376>
Wang, L., Masaki, K., Petrovic, N., McMahan, M., Christensen, K., Mannarino, E., Pedersen, B., & Bruunsgaard, H. (2017). Ancestry is associated with telomere length in North Europeans. Aging Cell, 16(5), 902–905. Retrieved from: <onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acel.12601>
CDC. (2018). Minority Health: Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from <www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/populations/REMP/white.html>