Social disparities-Biological Exploration CONnecting multi-omics approach with healthy aging: The Social BEACON Initiative

Project Summary

Health outcomes vary widely across populations and are influenced by social and economic conditions. Disadvantages related to income, education, gender, race, disability, and other social factors accumulate over the life course and contribute to poorer health in later life. These experiences can trigger long-term stress responses that disrupt immune function and promote chronic inflammation. Persistent inflammation is a key biological process underlying frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and cognitive decline with aging. However, commonly used inflammation markers capture only a small part of this complex process. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, this study integrates multi-omics biomarker data to uncover the underlying pathways linking social disadvantage to inflammation and age-related health outcomes. The project will generate evidence that will inform the development of focused interventions and improve the health outcomes of all individuals in Canada.