How social disadvantage affects health and aging

Biological Underpinnings of Socioeconomic Differentials in Health and Mortality

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-10433978

This study looks at how growing up with less money and support can affect how our bodies age and our overall health, helping people understand how their life experiences might impact their well-being as they get older.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10433978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how social and economic disadvantages throughout life impact biological aging and health outcomes. By analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, the project aims to uncover the connections between low socioeconomic status and various biological markers of aging, such as immune function, telomere length, and gene expression. The study will explore how these factors contribute to increased morbidity and mortality among individuals with lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Patients may gain insights into how their life circumstances could influence their health as they age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly those who have experienced social adversity throughout their lives.

Not a fit: Patients who have not faced significant social or economic disadvantages may not benefit directly from the findings of this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of health disparities and inform interventions to enhance health outcomes for disadvantaged populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that socioeconomic factors significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.