Where You Live Affects How You Age

Why this is here: Participants of East Asian descent who lived outside of East Asia exhibited signs of accelerated biological aging, suggesting a strong link between environment and health outcomes.

Researchers from Stanford University and other institutions studied 322 people from Europe, East Asia, and South Asia to understand aging. The international team analyzed biological data—including gut bacteria, fats, proteins, and immune responses—to see how genes and environment impact the body. They focused on participants who had migrated, offering a unique opportunity to isolate these factors.

The study revealed that ethnic background continues to influence health markers like immune systems and metabolism, even after long-term migration. South Asian participants showed more active immune systems, while those with East Asian roots had different fat metabolisms.

However, living environment also plays a role. East Asians living outside of East Asia showed signs of faster biological aging.

European participants living in Europe appeared biologically older than those in North America. The researchers note that diet, stress, pollution, and healthcare likely contribute to these effects, and certain gut bacteria link to health risks. Further research is needed to fully understand these connections and personalize medical advice.