Inequalities in urban greenness and epigenetic aging: Different associations by race and neighborhood socioeconomic status

Authors: Kyeezu Kim, Brian T. Joyce, Drew R. Nannini, Yinan Zheng, Penny Gordon-Larsen, James M. Shikany, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Ming Hu, Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Douglas E. Vaughan, Kai Zhang, Lifang Hou

Published: 2023-06-28

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8140

Source: Full article


Abstract

Slower epigenetic aging is associated with exposure to green space (greenness); however, the longitudinal relationship has not been well studied, particularly in minority groups. We investigated the association between 20-year exposure to greenness [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)] and epigenetic aging in a large, biracial (Black/white), U.S. urban cohort. Using generalized estimating equations adjusted for individual and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics, greater greenness was associated with slower epigenetic aging. Black participants had less surrounding greenness and an attenuated association between greenness and epigenetic aging [β