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Early ageing in middle-aged men is associated with adverse social factors and increased mortality risk: the Malmö

David Tell1, Peter M Nilsson

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences Medicine, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
|July 25, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Middle-aged men with early biological ageing face higher mortality risks. This increased risk persists even after accounting for social factors and lifestyle choices, highlighting ageing as a key predictor.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early biological ageing in middle-aged men is not well understood in relation to mortality.
  • Identifying predictors of mortality risk is crucial for preventative health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in social, lifestyle, and biological factors between early-aged and control middle-aged men.
  • To determine if early biological ageing is associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a subgroup of 5,722 middle-aged men from the Malmö Preventive Project (MPP).
  • Identified early aged subjects using markers like decreased lung function and increased pulse pressure.
  • Followed subjects for a mean of 22 years using registers and analyzed mortality risk with Cox regression.

Main Results:

  • Men with early ageing were more likely to be smokers, live alone, and less likely to be non-manual workers.
  • Early ageing was associated with an increased age-adjusted mortality risk (RR 1.29).
  • A significant mortality difference remained after adjusting for social and lifestyle factors (RR 1.19).

Conclusions:

  • Early biological ageing in middle-aged men is linked to a significantly increased long-term mortality risk.
  • This association is not fully explained by social background or adverse lifestyle factors.
  • Biological ageing markers are important indicators of future mortality risk.

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