Mental work and higher work intensity were linked to faster biological aging, partly through visceral adiposity.
Evidence
A cross-sectional analysis of 3,933 Kailuan cohort participants found mental work associated with 1.46 higher and 1.52 higher acceleration versus manual work, with mediating 9.8% and 20.9% of those relationships.
Caveat
The observational cross-sectional design cannot show that mental work, work intensity, or VAI caused faster biological aging.
Simplified
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental work, work intensity, and accelerated biological aging, focusing on the mediating role of the (VAI).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from the Kailuan physical activity cohorts in the Asia-Pacific region. Biological aging was assessed using and Klemera-Doubal method age () acceleration. Multivariable linear regression models examined the link between mental work and biological aging, while mediation analysis assessed the role of VAI.
RESULTS: Among 3,933 participants (mean age 56.4 years; 55.6% male), mental workers showed greater biological age (BA) acceleration: KDMAge acceleration increased by 1.52 years (for trend = .04) and PhenoAge by 1.46 years (for trend < .001) compared to manual workers, after adjusting for age and sex. In mental workers, high labor intensity was associated with greater BA acceleration: KDMAge β = 0.40, 95% CI [0.10-0.65]; PhenoAge β = 0.51, 95% CI [0.10-1.38]. In manual workers, high labor intensity also correlated with increased BA acceleration: KDMAge β = 1.53, 95% CI [0.91-2.12]; PhenoAge β = 1.32, 95% CI [0.37-2.26]. Mediation analysis showed that VAI mediated 9.8% of the mental work-PhenoAge relationship and 20.9% of the KDMAge relationship. p p
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Mental work is associated with accelerated biological aging. These results highlight the importance of interventions targeting work intensity and metabolic health to reduce age-related disease burdens.
Key numbers
1.52 years
Increase in
for mental workers vs. manual workers
1.46 years
Increase in
for mental workers vs. manual workers
20.9%
Mediation Percentage
Mediation of relationship by
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