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Native Hawaiians age faster than white Americans, remarkable study finds
Compared with white and Japanese Americans, Native Hawaiians experience higher accelerated biological aging, researchers have found.
The study, by the University of Hawaii at Mnoa, also found that living in adverse environments such as neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status is associated with faster aging, regardless of ethnic background.
Study finds that Native Hawaiians have higher rates of accelerated biological aging
Lead author Alika Maunakea and his team analyzed DNA samples from nearly 400 individuals.
The researchers found that Native Hawaiians the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands have higher rates of accelerated biological aging than others among the cohort.
Namely, they are more likely to “age”, biologically, faster than white and Japanese American residents.
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Biological aging refers to the slow deterioration of cellular and physiological functions over time. Its different from age as we typically understand it, which is a marker of chronological time, or the number of times someone has orbited the Sun.
Cellular deterioration is determined by an epigenetic process called DNA methylation. This means it has to do with a persons DNA, but isnt dictated by the actual DNA sequence we call genetics.
But there’s a catch
Despite living in poorer neighborhoods, people who take regular exercise and had a higher level of education attainment are more likely to age, biologically, at normal rates.
The research also showed that having a healthier diet is beneficial for a persons rate of biological aging.
Diet, physical activity and education attainment are also independently associated with lower BMI and lower risk of diabetes, according to Maunakea.
Scientists can measure a persons rate of DNA methylation to work out if they are aging faster or slower than the average person of their chronological age. Aging faster than normal can lead to health issues.
Further proof that lifestyle matters to health
“Results of this study have significant public health implications and can help shape health policy,” Maunakea said.
Neighborhood factors can be hard to control, especially for the socioeconomically disadvantaged. These include where you live and the surrounding environment. But individual-level lifestyle factors, such as education, physical activity and diet can be improved through federal, state, and community-based programs, Maunakea said.�
“To me, the results are further proof that lifestyle matters to health and that as individuals we can do something about it.”
An example of such an initiative is MAO Organic Farms, which grows over 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables in Wai�anae.�
Being Native Hawaiian doesn’t make us destined for disease, even if you live in poor neighborhoods, Maunakea adds. Even if the data suggests that Native Hawaiians are more likely to experience accelerated biological aging, engaging in healthier lifestyles reduces the risk for disease and likely improves longevity.
This gives me hope that we can, in my lifetime, improve the overall health and wellbeing of our lhui.”
