Research on Aging in Wartime
Scientists from the Dmitry Chebotaryov Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine are studying the accelerated aging of the population due to the war. Research results have shown that the biological age of civilians who experienced occupation and military personnel with mine-explosive injuries exceeds their passport age by 10-15 years. The study is ongoing in the Byshiv community in Kyiv region, where scientists are focusing on mental health and the cardiovascular system.
The scientists began their first observations after the de-occupation of Kyiv region in the spring of 2022. They studied the condition of injured soldiers during rehabilitation and residents of liberated communities. The comprehensive research is continuing in the Byshiv community throughout 2024. Researchers are examining residents over the age of 30 twice a month.
According to the research, people who have experienced negative psycho-emotional experiences during the occupation show accelerated aging of 10-13 years.
As Valentina Chizova stated, 'it turned out that people who did not participate in hostilities but only experienced negative psycho-emotional experiences during the occupation of Kyiv region have the same accelerated, premature aging as military personnel who suffered a concussion due to mine-explosive trauma during hostilities.'
The Impact of War on Mental and Physical Health
The research also revealed that military personnel with mine-explosive injuries are, on average, 10-15 years older than their passport age. During examinations, doctors assessed levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conducted clinical examinations of the vessels. In Byshiv, almost 80% of those examined showed endothelial dysfunction.
Valentina Chizova noted: 'In Byshiv, having conducted an ultrasound of the vessels, we found almost 80% of people had endothelial dysfunction. Perhaps some of this was present before the war, but the war stress added to the burden.'
More than 40% of patients showed decreased functional activity of the kidneys, and some had signs of prediabetes or diabetes. Among those affected by mine-explosive trauma, the incidence of anxiety-depressive disorders reached 66%. 'We recorded that among those affected by mine-explosive trauma, the incidence of anxiety-depressive disorders reached 66%. Military personnel with such injuries are on average 10-15 years older than their passport age,' emphasized Chizova.
The study in the Byshiv community continues based on a memorandum of cooperation for five years.
Overall, during the full-scale war, the annual population decline in Ukraine is about 1 million 150 thousand people. The main screening risk factors include:
- arterial hypertension
- excess weight and obesity
- chronic kidney disease
- type 2 diabetes
- prediabetic states
The research conducted by the Institute of Gerontology highlights the serious consequences of the war for the physical and mental health of the population of Ukraine. The accelerated aging and deterioration of health revealed by the study may have long-term consequences for the health care system and social protection of the country. This research also indicates the importance of psycho-emotional support for people who have experienced traumatic events, as their impact on health is critically important in the context of recovery after the war.