Worrying about aging may speed up the aging process
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Emerging research suggests that individuals who strongly fear aging may experience faster biological aging. Scientists propose that chronic stress, negative self-perception, and associated behavioral changes could contribute to measurable declines in physical health over time. These findings highlight the potential impact of mindset on aging and underscore the importance of psychological well-being in maintaining long-term health.
Source
Mariana Rodrigues, Jemar R. Bather, Adolfo G. Cuevas. Aging anxiety and epigenetic aging in a national sample of adult women in the United States. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2026; 184: 107704 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2025.107704
Additional Reading
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260225081205.htm
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2026/february/aging-anxiety.html