The link between stress and premature aging

Stress triggers activation hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis (SAM), which causes the release of cortisol and catecholamines. Prolonged exposure to these hormones leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammatory reactions, which accelerates cellular senescence (1).

Research has shown that chronic stress causes telomere shortening, protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, which is directly linked to premature cell aging (2). In addition, social and psychological stress trigger senescence of neurons in the brain, which leads to cognitive decline and accelerated aging of the nervous system (3).

How stress accelerates aging

• Telomeres: Chronic stress accelerates their shortening, leading to premature cell death (2).

• Cortisol: Prolonged elevated cortisol causes brain damage, particularly in the hippocampus, which affects memory and cognition (6).

• Oxidative stress: An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants causes damage to cells, proteins, and lipids (1,6).

• Inflammation (inflammaging): Stress triggers chronic low-level inflammation, which accelerates degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders (6).

• Epigenetic changes: Stress alters gene expression, which increases biological age independently of chronological age (6).

Conclusion

Stress is not just a psychological phenomenon, but has profound biological consequences. Long-term exposure to stress leads to premature aging through telomere shortening, oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle is therefore key to maintaining youth and longevity.

📚 Literature

1. Qin, T., Chen, T., Ma, R., Li, H., et al. (2025). Stress Hormones: Unveiling the Role in Accelerated Cellular Senescence. Aging and Disease, 16(4):1946–1970. [DOI: 10.14336/AD.2024.0262]

2. Bobba-Alves, P., Picard, M., et al. (2023). Study Reveals How Stress Accelerates Aging. Columbia University, BioRxiv preprint.

3. Bartolomucci, A., Niedernhofer, L., et al. (2024). Social Stress Accelerates Aging via Cellular Senescence in the Brain. Nature Aging. University of Minnesota Medical School.

4. How Does Chronic Stress Affect Aging? The Molecular Pathways. (2025). American Psychological Association & IT.com. .