Private renting is associated with faster epigenetic ageing

Summary

Main findings:

1) Living in a privately rented home is associated with faster biological ageing;
2) The impact of renting in the private sector, as opposed to outright ownership (with no mortgage), was almost double that of being out of work rather than being employed;
3) It was also 50% greater than having been a former smoker as opposed to never having smoked;
4) Repeated housing arrears, and exposure to pollution/environmental problems, are also associated with faster biological ageing;
5) Living in social housing, with its lower cost and bgreater security of tenure, has no impact on biological ageing;
6) These effects are reversible – showing policy change can make a difference.