If we list common factors that make people look and feel older, things like sun exposure, chronic stress, and smoking usually come to mind. But researchers suggest there may be another surprising contributor: worrying about aging itself could also leave a biological imprint on the body.
Anxiety around the ageing process—particularly fears linked to declining health—may trigger changes in gene activity that accelerate ageing, according to a study of 726 midlife women published in the February 2026 issue of Psychoneuroendocrinology . The findings showed that women who reported higher levels of anxiety about ageing also displayed faster epigenetic ageing, meaning their cells appeared biologically older based on gene activity patterns.
The research adds to growing evidence that age is not defined only by the number of years lived. Chronological age refers to time since birth, while biological age reflects how well the body is functioning, assessed through indicators such as fitness levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
What causes aging?
David Sinclair, professor of genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, in his research explored what he describes as a universal mechanism behind ageing, known as the Information Theory of Aging. He explains it as a breakdown in how cells interpret genetic instructions, saying, "we are not machines - we are computers, and aging is due to the corruption of software."
Several well-known factors that accelerate ageing and visible signs of ageing include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, which damages DNA
- Chronic stress, which raises cortisol levels and inflammation
- Poor sleep, which limits cellular repair
- Smoking, which causes DNA damage
- Sedentary lifestyle, which leads to muscle loss
- Obesity
"There are two ways to age faster. One is being in abundance mode, which is anything that makes your body think times are really good, such as too much sitting or too much food," Sinclair explains. "The other way is to damage your cells. With things like getting sunburned, we think it accelerates the biological aging process because cells cannot cope."
Less obvious aging triggers
Some lesser-known factors may also contribute to faster ageing:
- Excess alcohol consumption
- High radiation exposure
- Air pollution and industrial toxins
- Shift work, which disrupts biological rhythms
Other surprising contributors include:
Yo-yo dieting: Frequent cycles of weight loss and gain may influence cellular changes. "Theoretically, any time there's a large change to a cell, aging ticks a little faster," Sinclair says.
Bright light and loud noise: These may increase stress hormones and strain the cardiovascular system. "Bright light and loud music are underappreciated as a cause of sensory aging," Sinclair says.
Loneliness and social isolation: These are linked to serious health risks, comparable in some studies to smoking. Social interaction plays a key role in human well-being.
Gut health imbalance: Disruption of the gut microbiome can increase inflammation. A balanced diet supports healthier microbial function and may slow ageing processes.
How to slow down ageing
According to Sinclair, habits that support healthy ageing include:
- Regular exercise
- Consistent, high-quality sleep
- A plant-forward diet
- Strong social connections
- A positive outlook and sense of purpose
(with inputs from Harvard Media School)
