The More You Fear Ageing, The Faster You May Age: What A New Study Reveals

New research suggests that worrying about growing older, especially fearing future health problems, may do more than cause emotional distress. It could actually speed up biological ageing at the cellular level.

The study, conducted by researchers at the NYU School of Global Public Health, examined how anxiety about ageing relates to measurable biological changes in the body.

Can Fear of Ageing Really Affect the Body?

In a study involving more than 700 women, researchers found that those who reported higher levels of anxiety about ageing showed signs of faster biological ageing in their blood. This was measured using advanced tools known as epigenetic clocks, which estimate how quickly a person is ageing at the cellular level.

"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.

The findings point to a deeper connection between mental stress and the biological processes that shape long-term health.

Why Might Women Experience More Ageing Anxiety?

Many adults worry about getting older, including fears of illness, physical decline, and losing independence. However, researchers note that women may be particularly vulnerable to ageing-related anxiety.

Social expectations surrounding youth and appearance, combined with concerns about fertility, can intensify stress during midlife. Women may also face overlapping responsibilities at this stage of life.

"Women in midlife may also be multiple in roles, including caring for their ageing parents. As they see older family members grow older and become sick, they may worry about whether the same thing will happen to them," Rodrigues explained.

These layered pressures may help explain why ageing anxiety can become a persistent source of stress.

How Did Researchers Measure Biological Ageing?

To explore the link between ageing anxiety and biological ageing, the research team analysed data from 726 women participating in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.

Participants were asked how much they worried about becoming less attractive, developing health problems, or being too old to have children.

Blood samples were then analysed using two established epigenetic clocks. One tool, DunedinPACE, measures the speed at which biological ageing is occurring. The second, GrimAge2, estimates accumulated biological damage over time.

Women who reported higher anxiety about growing older showed signs of faster epigenetic ageing based on the DunedinPACE clock. Previous research has linked accelerated epigenetic ageing to physical decline and a greater risk of age-related diseases.

Interestingly, not all concerns had the same impact. Worries about declining health showed the strongest association with faster biological ageing. In contrast, concerns about appearance and fertility were not significantly linked to epigenetic ageing. Researchers suggest that health-related fears may persist longer over time, while worries about beauty and reproduction may diminish with age.

Does Ageing Anxiety Directly Cause Faster Ageing?

While the findings highlight a strong association, the researchers caution that the study captures only a single point in time. This means it cannot establish direct cause and effect.

"We know from previous research that anxiety, depression, and mental health in general are associated with a number of physical health outcomes, but until now researchers haven't focused on whether there is a correlation between worrying about ageing and the process of ageing itself," said Rodrigues.

The team also examined whether lifestyle factors linked to anxiety might help explain the connection. Behaviours such as smoking or alcohol use could contribute to faster biological ageing.

When researchers adjusted their analysis to account for these health behaviours, the association between ageing anxiety and epigenetic ageing weakened and was no longer statistically significant. This suggests that coping behaviours may partly explain the link.

What Do the Findings Mean for Mental and Physical Health?

The study underscores how closely mental and physical health are intertwined across the lifespan, even though they are often treated separately in healthcare systems.

"Our research identifies ageing anxiety as a measurable and modifiable psychological determinant that seems to be shaping ageing biology," said Adolfo Cuevas, associate professor of social and behavioural sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health and the study's senior author.

The researchers emphasise that further long-term studies are needed to better understand how anxiety about ageing influences biological ageing over time and how best to support individuals experiencing these fears.

"Ageing is a universal experience. We need to start a discourse about how we as a society -- through our norms, structural factors, and interpersonal relationships -- address the challenges of ageing," added Rodrigues.

The findings serve as a reminder that how people think and feel about growing older may matter more than previously believed, not just emotionally, but biologically.

(With inputs from ANI)