Renting may speed up ageing

Living in a rented home, struggling to pay bills on time, and dealing with poor housing conditions can affect more than daily life. These problems may also affect a person’s health.

A study has linked difficult housing conditions to faster biological ageing. Researchers from the University of Essex and the University of Adelaide examined how housing conditions may affect human health.

They looked at several factors including how long people had lived in rented homes, the type of building they lived in, housing costs, and unpaid rent.

The researchers also studied DNA methylation a process that can help scientists estimate biological ageing.

What did the study find?

The findings showed a clear link between renting a home and faster biological ageing. In some analyses the link was stronger than the effects associated with unemployment or smoking.

The study also considered people’s past housing conditions. Researchers found that repeated rent arrears and exposure to pollution or other housing problems were also linked to faster biological ageing.

These findings suggest that financial stress and poor living conditions may have effects beyond a person’s everyday comfort.

What is biological ageing?

Biological age is different from a person’s actual age in years. It refers to changes in the body that may show how quickly it is ageing. For example, two people may both be 40 years old, but their bodies may show different signs of ageing.

However the study found a link between housing problems and biological ageing. It does not prove that renting a home directly causes faster ageing in every person.

Why better housing matters

Researchers say that better housing policies could help protect public health. Possible steps include controlling rent increases and helping people access safe and stable homes. The findings highlight that housing is not just a financial issue.

A person’s living conditions may also play an important role in their long-term health and well being.