Health Australia (Commonwealth Union) – A collaborative research effort between the University of Adelaide and the University of Essex has unveiled a compelling revelation: residing in a rented, rather than owned, private-sector home is associated with accelerated biological aging.
Remarkably, the detrimental health effects of renting were found to surpass those of experiencing unemployment or even being a former smoker. Dr. Amy Clair, the lead researcher from the University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Housing Research, emphasized the significance of these findings, asserting that housing circumstances wield a substantial influence on biological aging, even eclipsing other crucial social determinants like unemployment. Consequently, this underscores the need for housing policies to consider their profound health implications.
Biological aging pertains to the cumulative wear and tear on the body’s tissues and cells, independent of one’s chronological age. The study identified certain housing-related factors that contribute to accelerated biological aging, irrespective of homeownership, including recurring payment arrears and exposure to pollution. The researchers posit that the insecurity and financial strain associated with privately rented homes underlie the observed link between renting and accelerated biological aging.
Dr. Clair expressed the intention to expand this research by delving into data from various countries and exploring how the connection between housing tenure and biological aging may evolve over time. The study also revealed that the epigenetic effects of renting may be reversible, underscoring the pressing need for health interventions targeting renters.
“Policies to reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with private renting, such as ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions, limiting rent increases, and improving conditions may go some way to reducing the negative impacts of private renting,” said Professor of Housing Research, Emma Baker, of the University of Adelaide who played a role in the study as well.
Epigenetics is a groundbreaking field that unveils the dynamic interplay between our genes and the world around us. It challenges the traditional view of genetics as destiny and opens doors to new possibilities for improving health and understanding the origins of various diseases. As we continue to unlock the mysteries of epigenetics, it’s clear that our genes are not static entities but rather responsive, adaptable, and deeply connected to the intricate dance of life.
One of the most intriguing aspects of epigenetics is its role in the nature vs. nurture debate. While our DNA provides a blueprint for our genetic potential, epigenetic changes can fine-tune that blueprint in response to our environment. It’s the interaction between our genes and our experiences that shapes who we are.
This study drew upon data from surveys involving 1,420 adults in Great Britain and considered housing elements such as tenure (renting or owning), building type, government financial support available to renters, the presence of central heating as an indicator of adequate warmth, and the urban or rural location of the residence. While the study acknowledges limitations due to its observational nature and focus on a predominantly white and European population, the researchers believe that their findings are likely to hold relevance to housing and health in other regions, especially those with housing policies akin to those in Australia.
“There are many similarities between the housing policy approaches of the UK and Australia – private renters in both countries have very limited security of tenure and face high costs. It is therefore likely that private renters in Australia might also experience accelerated biological ageing,” explained Dr Clair.
The findings of the study appeared in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. With the current economic crisis owning a home has become even more difficult with rising interest rates. The findings reflect the urgent need to address home owner ship taking into account its impact on health as reflected in this study.
