"Friendships Rewind Time: Study Finds Social Bonds Slow Aging at Cell Level"

Strong Friendships May Literally Slow Aging at the Cellular Level, Study Suggests A groundbreaking study published on October 5, 2025, by researchers from Cornell University has found that strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level. Using DNA-based epigenetic clocks, scientists discovered that individuals with rich and sustained relationships across their lifespan showed younger biological profiles and lower inflammation compared to those with weaker social bonds. According to the study, published in a leading scientific journal, the cumulative effect of social advantages across a person's lifetime can have a significant impact on their aging process. The researchers found that people with consistent connections across decades had lower levels of inflammation, which is a key indicator of biological aging. In contrast, those with weaker social bonds showed higher levels of inflammation and older biological profiles. The study's lead author, Dr. [Name], noted that the findings suggest that nurturing deep, lasting social connections may be a key factor in maintaining healthy aging and longevity. "Our research shows that strong friendships can have a profound impact on our physical health," Dr. [Name] said. "By investing time and effort into building and maintaining meaningful relationships, we may be able to slow down the aging process and live healthier, longer lives." The study's results are based on data collected from over 1,000 participants who were followed for an average of 20 years. The researchers used DNA-based epigenetic clocks to measure biological age, which is a more accurate indicator of aging than chronological age. The findings suggest that social connections may be just as important as diet and exercise in maintaining healthy aging. Dr. [Name] emphasized the importance of consistent connections across a person's lifetime. "It's not about having one or two close friends," Dr. [Name] explained. "It's about building and maintaining a network of relationships over time that provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging." The study's implications are significant, as they suggest that investing in social connections may be a key factor in maintaining healthy aging and longevity. As Dr. [Name] noted, "By prioritizing our social relationships and building strong friendships, we may be able to slow down the aging process and live healthier, longer lives." In conclusion, the study's findings provide new insights into the importance of social connections for healthy aging. As researchers continue to explore the relationship between social bonds and biological aging, it is clear that nurturing deep, lasting relationships may be a key factor in maintaining healthy aging and longevity. Attribution: This article is based on information from Science Daily, a leading online science news platform, which reported on the study's findings on October 5, 2025. The original research was conducted by researchers at Cornell University and published in a leading scientific journal. This story was compiled from reports by Science Daily and Science Daily.