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Stress and Aging

Meaning

Stress and Aging describes the profound, bidirectional relationship where chronic physiological and psychological stress accelerates the biological aging process, leading to premature senescence and an increased risk of age-related disease. The impact is systemic, affecting telomere length, DNA repair mechanisms, and the delicate balance of the neuroendocrine system. Persistent exposure to stressors increases the allostatic load, essentially causing the body’s regulatory systems to wear out faster due to continuous compensatory effort. Managing this stress-aging axis is a central pillar of preventative medicine and longevity science, requiring a comprehensive, multi-system approach.