New research from New York University indicates that anxiety about growing older, particularly concerns over health decline, correlates with accelerated cellular aging in women. The study, involving 726 participants, used epigenetic clocks to measure biological aging rates. Fears related to appearance or fertility showed no similar connection.
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health have uncovered a potential link between psychological fears of aging and physical aging processes. In a study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, the team analyzed data from 726 women in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Participants reported levels of anxiety about becoming less attractive, developing health problems, or being too old to have children. Blood samples were examined using two epigenetic clocks: DunedinPACE, which gauges the pace of biological aging, and GrimAge2, which assesses accumulated biological damage.
The findings revealed that women with higher aging-related anxiety exhibited faster epigenetic aging according to the DunedinPACE measure. This acceleration was most pronounced among those worried about future health issues, while concerns about beauty or fertility did not show significant associations. "Our research suggests that subjective experiences may be driving objective measures of aging," said Mariana Rodrigues, a PhD student at NYU and the study's first author. "Aging-related anxiety is not merely a psychological concern, but may leave a mark on the body with real health consequences."
Women may face heightened vulnerability to such anxiety due to societal pressures on youth and appearance, fertility expectations, and roles like caring for aging parents. "Women in midlife may also be multiple in roles, including caring for their aging parents," Rodrigues explained. Previous studies have connected psychological distress to epigenetic changes that influence gene expression and health outcomes.
However, the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the association diminished when accounting for behaviors like smoking or alcohol use. Adolfo Cuevas, the senior author and an associate professor at NYU, noted, "Our research identifies aging anxiety as a measurable and modifiable psychological determinant that seems to be shaping aging biology."
The study, co-authored by Jemar R. Bather, was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore long-term effects and interventions.
