Denmark leads global list for slowest ageing rates
Denmark offers the most favourable conditions for slower ageing and healthier later life, new research across 40 countries has found.
The international study, which analysed data from over 160,000 people, found that where someone lives can significantly influence how fast they age biologically.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to estimate biological age based on environmental and social risk factors, then compared it to chronological age.
Ageing was assessed using a ‘biobehavioural age gap’ – the difference between a person’s actual age and their predicted biological age. A higher gap indicates faster ageing.
The findings revealed wide regional variation. European populations showed the healthiest ageing profiles, while individuals in many lower-income countries had biologically older ages than their actual age.
Egypt had the fastest ageing rate, with individuals averaging 4.75 years older biologically than chronologically. South Africa ranked second, followed by several countries in South America. In Europe, faster ageing was seen in eastern and southern regions.
At the other end of the scale, Danish citizens were biologically 2.35 years younger than their chronological age, placing Denmark top globally. The Netherlands and Finland followed closely behind.
The study identified three key factors linked to slower ageing: physical conditions such as air quality, social factors including income and gender equality, and political conditions. Countries with democratic freedoms, political participation and governments that act in the public interest were associated with healthier ageing.
“This study is important because it redefines ageing as a product not only of biology and lifestyle but also of broader environmental and sociopolitical forces – highlighting that where and how people live can significantly accelerate or delay ageing,” said Dr Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, associate professor of ageing at the University of Copenhagen, who was not involved in the study.
“Why politics appear to accelerate ageing is a considerable and intriguing mystery in this study,” Scheibye-Knudsen added. “Mechanisms such as chronic elevated stress responses due to insecurity and healthcare disparities could perhaps be involved in this response.”
The impact of faster ageing was notable. People who aged more quickly were eight times more likely to face difficulty with everyday tasks and four times more likely to experience cognitive decline.
While the study covered four continents – Africa, Asia, Europe and South America – only Egypt and South Africa were included from Africa, limiting regional representation.
Researchers stressed the results show associations rather than direct causal links. However, they say the findings highlight the global urgency of addressing health inequalities.
“Surprisingly, risk factors had a stronger impact than protective ones, and individuals in lower-income countries showed significantly accelerated ageing regardless of individual socioeconomic status,” said Scheibye-Knudsen.
“I think this is another strong argument for investing in universal solutions such as universal education and healthcare to maintain population health.”
