%0 Web Page %D 2021 %T For breakthroughs in slowing aging, scientists must look beyond biology %A University of Southern California %K Aging %K Behavior %K Demography %K Gerontology %K Longevity %K Mortality %X A trio of recent studies highlight the need to incorporate behavioral and social science alongside the study of biological mechanisms in order to slow aging. The three papers, published in concert in Ageing Research Reviews, emphasized how behavioral and social factors are intrinsic to aging. This means they are causal drivers of biological aging. In fact, the influence of behavioral and social factors on how fast people age are large and meaningful. However, geroscience--the study of how to slow biological aging to extend healthspan and longevity--has traditionally not incorporated behavioral or social science research. These papers are by three pioneers in aging research and members of the National Academy of Medicine who study different aspects of the intersection of biology and social factors in shaping healthy aging through the lifespan. %B Research News %I EurekAlert/AAAS %G eng %U https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/uosc-fbi022221.php