A study of American adults used blood samples to measure four molecular markers of cellular aging. Scientists looked at markers such as CDKN2A RNA, which helps stop cell division, plus signs of DNA damage and secreted substances from old cells.
Researchers measured neighborhood opportunity with an index that combines measures of education, health and environment, and social and economic resources. People in low-opportunity neighborhoods had higher CDKN2A RNA levels. The link stayed even after accounting for other social, health, and lifestyle factors. The strongest link was with social and economic neighborhood conditions.
Difficult words
- marker — a sign in the body that shows changemarkers
- molecular — relating to very small parts of cells
- cellular — relating to cells in a living body
- aging — the process of becoming older in the body
- secrete — to push out a substance from a cellsecreted
- index — a number or measure showing information
- neighborhood — the area where people live near each otherneighborhoods
- opportunity — a situation that makes a good result possiblelow-opportunity
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Discussion questions
- Do you think where people live can affect their health? Why?
- Which neighborhood resources, like schools or clinics, help health in your area?
- What could improve social and economic conditions in low-opportunity neighborhoods?
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