Spousal Education and Epigenetic Age Among Partnered Older Adults in the United States

This study examined (1) the association between spousal education and epigenetic age acceleration among US older adults, and (2) whether this varies by their own education level and marital history.

Data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study were utilized to explore the associations between spousal education and epigenetic age acceleration, measured with four second- and third-generation epigenetic clocks (i.e. GrimAge, PhenoAge, Zhang and DunedinPoAm38).

Higher spousal education was associated with slower epigenetic aging in three of the four clocks, but only among individuals with at least 12 years of education. Moreover, the association between spousal education and slower epigenetic aging, particularly with the GrimAge clock, was stronger among those previously divorced or widowed.

These findings imply well-educated spouses play a crucial role in slowing biological aging, underscoring the value of leveraging spousal education as an asset in managing later-life health and addressing age-related health disparities.