Stress-Induced Accelerated Aging: A Challenge for Modern Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction:

Ageing is a complex process influenced by various factors, such as chronic psychological stress, which accelerates biological ageing through persistent activation of stress-response pathways. This leads to molecular and cellular damage, increasing vulnerability to age-related diseases. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, disrupts immune regulation, and promotes telomere shortening, contributing to cellular senescence. Recent epigenetic clock developments showed that stress can accelerate biological age beyond chronological age. Healthy lifestyles and stress reduction may alleviate biological ageing effects, although more research is needed to explore the relationship between specific stressors and ageing pathways.

Conclusion:

Stress significantly accelerates ageing, necessitating further interdisciplinary research for effective prevention and therapy.