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Worrying about getting older especially fearing future health problems, may actually speed up ageing at the cellular level, according to new research from the New York University.

- TDG NETWORK

In a study of more than 700 women, those who felt more anxious about ageing showed signs of faster biological ageing in their blood, measured using cutting-edge “epigenetic clocks.” Fears about declining health had the strongest link, while concerns about beauty or fertility didn’t appear to have the same biological impact.

New research from NYU School of Global Public Health suggests that these fears could be linked to faster ageing at the cellular level in women.

“Our research suggests that subjective experiences may be driving objective measures of ageing,” said Mariana Rodrigues, a PhD student at NYU School of Global Public Health and the first author of the study, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. “Ageing-related anxiety is not merely a psychological concern, but may leave a mark on the body with real health consequences,” added Mariana.

Many adults experience concern about ageing, including fears of illness, physical decline, and losing independence. Previous research has shown that ongoing psychological distress can influence biological aging through epigenetic changes, which are shifts in how genes are turned on or off.