Medical research indicates that a deprived childhood accelerates aging

Poor childhood experiences and negative events in early life have been linked to accelerated epigenetic aging, according to scientists from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in the United States. This finding emerged from a 30-year-long study, as reported by Medical Xpress.

Events such as violence, harsh treatment, neglect, and family instability were regarded as adverse childhood experiences by the medical professionals involved in this research. The epigenetic age of volunteers was calculated based on the degree of DNA methylation. Individuals who had gone through negative childhood experiences had an epigenetic age that exceeded their chronological age.

Moreover, these individuals were statistically more likely to smoke, less likely to be married, have lower income, and be physically less active. These findings underscore the impact of negative childhood experiences on long-term and intergenerational health and well-being.