Linking Social Cohesion to Biological Markers of Aging: Evidence From the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Abstract

Social cohesion, a measure of community belonging, and inflammatory biomarkers, like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and c-reactive protein (CRP), have emerged as significant factors influencing age-related chronic conditions and functional decline among older adults. Understanding the link between social cohesion and inflammation is particularly relevant in aging populations, as with age, social networks often diminish, and the prevalence of inflammatory conditions increases. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we assessed the relationship between low social cohesion and IL-6 and CRP. We found that low social cohesion was associated with higher levels of CRP and IL-6 after adjusting for the influence of sociodemographic variables. These findings could inform health policies and community-level interventions designed to enhance social cohesion for aging adults.

Keywords

social cohesion aging inflammation chronic conditions

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