Worrying about getting old might actually quicken the aging process, especially for women.
But feeling anxious about getting older is common. So how do researchers conclude that fearing the aging process could accelerate it?
Many people worry about declining health, losing independence or physical changes that come with age.
Research has come up with a striking finding that’ll make you think twice about sinking into that groove of worrying about growing old.
Scientists at the NYU School of Global Public Health say anxiety about aging could be linked to faster biological aging in women.
The findings were published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Researchers found that certain fears about aging may show up in the body at the cellular level.
Just how does this happen?
Lead researcher Mariana Rodrigues says in the paper that aging anxiety may leave measurable marks on the body.
Previous research has already shown that long-term stress, anxiety and depression can influence health through epigenetic changes.
These changes affect how certain genes are turned on or off inside the body.
Until this study, however, researchers had not closely examined whether the actual worrying about aging might be connected to the aging process.
The research suggests women may experience stronger anxiety about aging than might men.
Social pressure around youth and appearance can play a role. Concerns about fertility can also add stress, especially during midlife.
Rodrigues notes that many women in midlife are also juggling multiple responsibilities. They may be caring for teens while also helping aging parents.
Watching older family members experience illness or physical decline can trigger worries about their own future health.
How Aging Anxiety Was Studied
To explore the connection, the team analyzed data from 726 women participating in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.
Participants answered questions about how much they worried about issues related to getting older.
These included concerns about becoming less attractive, developing health problems or being too old to have babies.
Researchers also analyzed blood samples using two well-known epigenetic “clocks.”
- One measured the pace of biological aging, called DunedinPACE.
- The other estimated accumulated biological damage over time, known as GrimAge2.
Women who reported higher levels of anxiety about getting older showed signs of faster biological aging on the DunedinPACE clock.
However, not all fears had the same impact. Worries about declining health were most strongly connected to faster aging at the cellular level.
Concerns about appearance or fertility were not significantly linked to epigenetic aging.
Researchers believe health worries may persist longer over time, while concerns about beauty or reproduction often fade as people age.
The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
Senior researcher Adolfo Cuevas says aging anxiety may be an important psychological factor that influences how the body ages.
At the same time, the paper points out that the study shows only an association, not a direct cause.
Other behaviors related to anxiety — such as smoking or drinking alcohol — may partly explain the connection. So may lack of structured exercise.
When the researchers adjusted their analysis to account for these habits, the link between aging anxiety and biological aging became weaker.
More research will be needed to understand the long-term effects. Nevertheless, what the team has discovered so far is nothing to kick under the rug.
What can you do at this point?
If you’re struck with the fear of getting old — then join a gym and start putting your body through some vigorous activity. Join a hiking club or karate school.
Quit smoking. Stop drinking. Eat healthier. Lose weight. Do yoga. Take up a fun “childlike” hobby such as coloring or roller skating. Think young. Learn to pick up heavy things. Hire a personal trainer. Start dribbling a basketball.
