A hormone naturally created in the body could be the elixir of life, scientists believe - According to a study of thousands of over-50s, the substance known as DHEAS makes you live longer – and is more plentiful the wealthier you are.
A study of over-50s has revealed the DHEAS hormone makes you live longer - and is more plentiful the wealthier you are (posed by model)
Research suggests that in future tablets, patches or injections could boost the DHEAS level.
In the meantime, leading a more fulfilling life could have a similar effect, says Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who led the research.
Higher levels are associated with both greater amounts of exercise and an active life with lots of pastimes, interests, friends and family – all of which tend to come with wealth.
The hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.
Production is greatest in childhood and teenage years, before gradually declining through adult life.
By the age of 80 it could be just 10 per cent of the peak teen level.
Having more DHEAS in the body is linked to a better memory and ability to cope with mental tasks, particularly in men.
The research also found higher levels of a second hormone, the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), in those who are better off.
The two hormones help control reactions to stress and regulate various body processes including digestion, the immune system, mood and energy usage.
Researchers said it is too soon to say whether the higher level of DHEAS is a result of being rich.
However, Sir Michael believes the benefits of wealth, which include a better diet, greater control over life, less stress, more travel and involvement in the wider world through hobbies, sport or other interests will encourage the body to create DHEAS.
He stressed that improving the level of the hormone is not a simple matter of popping a pill.
‘In my view, it is a much bigger issue and involves the package of choices that wealth opens up,’ he added. The study was carried out by University College London for the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
Hormone levels were measured by taking blood samples from more than 10,000 people aged over 50, who have been monitored since 2004.
Sir Michael said: ‘We found a clear social gradient in several health indicators with less wealthy people having higher levels of obesity, lower levels of physical exercise, higher levels of smoking, lower fruit and vegetable intake and being more likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes.
‘A striking new finding is that the hormone DHEAS which predicts life expectancy also follows a social gradient – less wealth, lower levels of DHEAS.
‘I believe this is the first time this has been identified.
‘My own interpretation is that it is a counter to stress. Having higher levels of DHEAS protects you.’
The same study confirmed previous research showing a correlation between poverty and increased levels of obesity, larger waist size and other measures of ill-health. ( dailymail.co.uk )
A study of over-50s has revealed the DHEAS hormone makes you live longer - and is more plentiful the wealthier you are (posed by model)
Research suggests that in future tablets, patches or injections could boost the DHEAS level.
In the meantime, leading a more fulfilling life could have a similar effect, says Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who led the research.
Higher levels are associated with both greater amounts of exercise and an active life with lots of pastimes, interests, friends and family – all of which tend to come with wealth.
The hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.
Production is greatest in childhood and teenage years, before gradually declining through adult life.
By the age of 80 it could be just 10 per cent of the peak teen level.
Having more DHEAS in the body is linked to a better memory and ability to cope with mental tasks, particularly in men.
The research also found higher levels of a second hormone, the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), in those who are better off.
The two hormones help control reactions to stress and regulate various body processes including digestion, the immune system, mood and energy usage.
Researchers said it is too soon to say whether the higher level of DHEAS is a result of being rich.
However, Sir Michael believes the benefits of wealth, which include a better diet, greater control over life, less stress, more travel and involvement in the wider world through hobbies, sport or other interests will encourage the body to create DHEAS.
He stressed that improving the level of the hormone is not a simple matter of popping a pill.
‘In my view, it is a much bigger issue and involves the package of choices that wealth opens up,’ he added. The study was carried out by University College London for the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
Hormone levels were measured by taking blood samples from more than 10,000 people aged over 50, who have been monitored since 2004.
Sir Michael said: ‘We found a clear social gradient in several health indicators with less wealthy people having higher levels of obesity, lower levels of physical exercise, higher levels of smoking, lower fruit and vegetable intake and being more likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes.
‘A striking new finding is that the hormone DHEAS which predicts life expectancy also follows a social gradient – less wealth, lower levels of DHEAS.
‘I believe this is the first time this has been identified.
‘My own interpretation is that it is a counter to stress. Having higher levels of DHEAS protects you.’
The same study confirmed previous research showing a correlation between poverty and increased levels of obesity, larger waist size and other measures of ill-health. ( dailymail.co.uk )
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