Daily Archives: 14 April 2024

Biological age disparity and increased mortality rates associated with social isolation

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Recent research conducted by the Mayo Clinic has uncovered that individuals experiencing social isolation exhibit signs of accelerated biological ageing and face a higher likelihood of mortality from various causes. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances, the study underscores the vital role of social connections in maintaining physical health and extending life expectancy. It advocates for including social integration as a crucial element among the social determinants of health.

The study embarked on an exploration of the impact of social engagement on the biological ageing process by analyzing the relationship between the Social Network Index and the age disparities predicted by AI-enabled electrocardiograms (AI-ECGs) among over 280,000 adults who sought outpatient care from June 2019 to March 2022. To qualify, participants must complete a health determinants questionnaire and possess AI-ECG records that were not part of the study, dated within a year.

Utilizing an AI-ECG model formulated at the Mayo Clinic, researchers estimated the biological ages of participants and compared these to their chronological ages. The AI-ECG’s age prediction indicates the heart’s biological condition: a higher age gap signals faster ageing, and a lower one suggests a deceleration in the ageing process.

The assessment of social isolation was conducted through the Social Network Index, which incorporates six questions covering various aspects of social interaction, such as involvement in social groups, frequency of social activities, communication habits, religious service attendance, in-person gatherings, and relationship or cohabitation status. Responses to these questions were scored to reflect degrees of social isolation.

Findings revealed that higher Social Network Index scores indicated that individuals with robust social networks demonstrated narrower AI-ECG age gaps across all demographics. Moreover, the status of one’s social network was found to have a significant effect on mortality risk. Throughout a two-year follow-up, about 5% of participants passed away, with those presenting low social index scores (of 1 or less) experiencing the highest mortality risk.

Although most participants were non-Hispanic white, the research identified health disparities among different racial groups. Non-white participants generally showed more significant average age gaps compared to their white counterparts, particularly among those with weaker social networks.

Dr Amir Lerman, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and the study’s senior author, highlighted the study’s illumination of the crucial nexus between social isolation, health, and ageing. He emphasized that social isolation, when combined with certain demographic and medical factors, poses a significant risk factor for expedited ageing. However, Dr Lerman also pointed out the potential for behavioural changes, such as increased social interaction and healthier lifestyle choices, to significantly enhance overall health.

More information: Nazanin Rajai et al, Association Between Social Isolation With Age-Gap Determined by Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography, Journal of the American College of Cardiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100890

Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology Provided by Mayo Clinic

Implementing obligatory regulations for indoor environments would lead to significant improvements in the health and efficiency of individuals globally

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There is a pressing need for government bodies and organizations to urgently establish, enact, and uphold standards for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). While outdoor air has traditionally been the focus of regulatory efforts, the fact that people in developed nations now spend over 90% of their time indoors has shifted the spotlight to indoor air quality. This shift is not without reason, as indoor air quality has a significant and long-lasting impact on our health. The severity of the situation is underscored by the direct transmission route of tiny airborne particles from the lungs into the bloodstream, which can trigger a host of diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the role of indoor air in pathogen spread, making the need for IAQ standards even more urgent.

The authors suggest that initiating regulatory measures should target pollutants that are not only straightforward to measure but also signify more significant health risks. PM2.5, the fine airborne particles, are mentioned as fitting these criteria. Due to its health implications, monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) levels is also deemed essential, particularly in developing economies. Furthermore, elevated indoor CO2 levels can indicate overcrowding and insufficient ventilation, raising the potential for pathogen spread. Enhanced ventilation filtration and cleaning technologies are recommended to counteract this. Mechanical ventilation is necessary in cities with poor outdoor air quality. Meanwhile, the authors emphasize the importance of choosing the right ventilation system, like displacement ventilation for schools and personal ventilation for offices, stating that merely opening a window is insufficient.

Implementing IAQ standards faces multiple challenges, including the complexity of indoor air quality monitoring due to varying room uses and unpredictable pollutant levels. Human respiration is a primary source of indoor pollutants, adding to the complexity. Additionally, introducing new regulations is often met with resistance from industries that would incur additional costs or need to adjust strategically. The authors point to the nightlife industry’s current ventilation standards, which fall significantly short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for infection prevention. The economic, cultural, and political ramifications of IAQ standards in certain regions are acknowledged, indicating that compromises may sometimes be necessary.

Despite the challenges, this publication asserts that the benefits of establishing IAQ standards far outweigh the drawbacks. The evidence is clear-air pollution has dire consequences for both the economy and public health. The active involvement of the authors in research and advocacy to combat these effects, along with their numerous contributions to initiatives and committees, is a testament to the potential of IAQ standards. This Science publication is a significant milestone in the collective efforts of Bluyssen, Boerstra, and their 37 colleagues, advancing technology, conducting air quality research, and promoting IAQ standards. It marks a pivotal step in public health and safety advocacy, instilling hope for a healthier and safer future.

More information: Lidia Morawska et al, Mandating indoor air quality for public buildings, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0677

Journal information: Science Provided by Delft University of Technology