Cross-sectional association between area deprivation and biological ageing: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study

Abstract

BackgroundWhile area deprivation impacts healthy ageing, the impact across multiple organ systems is not well understood, particularly in younger and middle-aged adults. This study examines the associations between area deprivation and biological ageing across entire adult age span in Great Britain. MethodsWe used data from 13 130 participants (7278 female and 5852 male) aged ≥16 years from UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). Molecular and organ system-level measurements of ageing included PhenoAge and DunedinPACE DNA methylation algorithms, and Biological Health Score (BHS). Individual-level ageing health outcomes were physical and cognitive function (memory and non-memory domains), self-rated health, and health-related quality of life. The exposure was area deprivation, including quintile of Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), Townsend Score, and Carstairs Index. Associations between area deprivation and biological ageing were analysed using regression models with confounder adjustment (ethnicity, age groups, sex, urbanity, and partnership status). Mediating role of molecular and organ system-level measurements of ageing between area deprivation and individual-level ageing health outcomes was assessed using mediation models. FindingsThree area deprivation indicators were independently associated with eight ageing measurements across various age groups. For instance, when using IMD, individuals aged ≥16 years in the most affluent areas had significantly lower BHS in England compared to those in the most deprived areas: males were 0·70 lower (95% CI [–1·15 to –0·25], p<0·001), and females were 1·27 lower (95% CI –1·67 to –0·88], p<0·001). Area deprivation was associated with poorer functioning, among middle (53–65 years) and older age groups (66 years and over). Molecular and organ system-level measurements of ageing partially mediated the pathway from area deprivation to individual-level ageing health outcomes. InterpretationResidents in deprived areas exhibit accelerated biological ageing at molecular, organ system, and individual level. These findings highlight the importance of addressing residential inequalities to mitigate health disparities and optimize age-related policies and interventions. FundingWW is a PhD student at Soc-B project of Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) (ESRC ES/T00200X/1, project reference numbers: 2765592). YB is supported by the ESRC (ES/N00812X/1). MK is supported by the University of Essex, ESRC (RES-596-28-0001) and ESRC (ES/S012486/1; ES/T014083/1).