Is Climbing in your DNA? New Research Project!

As experiential therapists and researchers, we passionately believe in the benefits of time in the outdoors and adventure activities. However, most of our research is repeated outcome studies exploring whether specific experiential interventions work (spoiler alert: they work well for the average participant). Therefore, we are working hard to develop new research exploring the benefits of the specific outdoor activities we use in our practice, which makes this new endeavor so thrilling.

I am excited to announce the development of a new research project to explore the relationships among rock climbing, biological aging, and psychosocial well-being among adults aged 45-74. More specifically, this research project will test the hypothesis that regular rock climbers exhibit a younger biological age than their chronological age, as measured by validated DNA methylation (DNAm) clocks and psychosocial measurements of functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination & Assessment of Quality of Life- 8 Dimension). This is an interdisciplinary collaborative project I’m leading with Prabhu Patil, M.D. Will Dobud, PhD, Cristy Cummings, PhD, and Kellie Pertl, LCSW. 
You might be wondering why we are looking at rock climbing and how it may differ from other sports. Well, I may be biased because I am a rock climber and personally use it in my practice with clients, but there are specific factors that make rock climbing especially exciting. First off, we know that one of the most protective factors as we age is social support. Rock climbing is an inherently social activity where participants keep each other safe and support one another. Rock climbing is also cognitively engaging; each climb is physically challenging and presents a puzzle that the climber must solve. Lastly, rock climbing requires ongoing physical training and exercise, both of which have been repeatedly correlated with improved well-being as we age. 
If you are a social worker or outdoor therapy enthusiast like me, you might be asking yourself what in the heck is DNA methylation, and how is it connected to rock climbing? Simply put, DNA methylation tests allow us to assess epigenetic changes to our DNA over time in response to our lifestyles and other exposures (Clock Foundation, 2025). This, in turn, gives us an estimate of our biological age, which we can then compare with our chronological age. It also provides predictive information about our morbidity and mortality, as well as immune system aging.

Additionally, as social scientists, we are examining psychosocial functioning and well-being. These will be measured through the Assessment of Quality of Life and the Mini-Mental Status Examination. This will provide additional information on how participants self-report on their functioning across multiple domains of their lives. 
In summary, we are extremely excited to be starting this new study to learn more about the positive effects of rock climbing on health and well-being as we age. We can’t wait to get started with data collection and to share our initial findings with you all. 
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

Climb on!

Daniel Cavanaugh, Phd, LCSW
Associate Clinical Professor
BSW Program Director
Oregon State University