Exploring the relationship between religiosity and telomere length in older individuals - Journal of Psychosomatic Research - 2025

Gonçalves JPB, Chile T, de Paula VJR, Teixeira MZ, Ribeiz SR, Schalling M, Busatto Filho G, Lucchetti G, Vallada H. Exploring the relationship between religiosity and telomere length in older individuals. J Psychosom Res. 2025 Apr;191:112085.

Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112085

Abstract

Objectives: Although telomere length is an established marker of biological aging, the impact of religious beliefs on telomere length remains uncertain.

Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between religiosity and telomere length among senior Brazilians, aged 60 and older. The study examined the association between organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic religiosity with telomere length, adjusting for sociodemographic, mental, physical health, and medication. Hierarchical linear regression models were used.

Results: 821 participants (62.2 % female, mean age 68.9 years, SD = 6.48) were studied. Female gender and younger age were linked to longer telomeres, but no significant associations were found between religious beliefs and telomere length in adjusted or unadjusted models.

Conclusions: This study found no evidence of an association between religiosity and telomere length among older Brazilian adults. While prior research highlights religiosity's positive health effects, its direct influence on telomere length remains unclear, warranting further exploration.