Social Connections,Leukocyte Telomere Length,and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults From Costa Rica: The Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES)

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the association of social connections with blood leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and all-cause mortality in older Costa Ricans.

Methods

Utilizing data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES), a prospective cohort of 2827 individuals aged 60 and above followed since 2004, we constructed a Social Network Index (SNI) based on marital status, household size, interaction with non-cohabitating adult children, and church attendance. We used linear regression to assess SNI’s association with baseline LTL (N = 1113), and Cox proportional-hazard models to examine SNI’s relationship with all-cause mortality (N = 2735).

Results

Higher SNI levels were associated with longer telomeres and decreased all-cause mortality during follow-up. Being married and regular church attendance were associated with 23% and 24% reductions of the all-cause mortality, respectively.

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of social engagement in promoting longevity among older Costa Ricans, suggesting broader implications for aging populations globally.

Keywords

social connections Costa Rica longevity mortality

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