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Stress Mediated Aging

Meaning

The accelerated biological aging and subsequent reduction in healthspan driven by the cumulative, maladaptive physiological responses to chronic psychological, environmental, or physiological stress. This process is characterized by allostatic overload, where the body’s attempts to adapt to persistent stressors lead to systemic wear and tear, primarily through chronic activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system. The resulting hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and cellular damage accelerate the hallmarks of aging, leading to premature onset of age-related diseases.