Psychological Adversities And Epigenetic Ageing In Midlife And Older Age: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Our bodies have a “biological clock” that can tell us how old our cells and tissues are, which might be different from our actual chronological age. This biological age is often measured using “epigenetic clocks,” which look at chemical tags on our DNA called methylation. These tags can change how our genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence, and they are considered key indicators of aging.
A recent comprehensive review and analysis of multiple studies has revealed a significant connection between various psychological challenges and this biological aging process. It found strong evidence that experiencing psychological adversities—like trauma, ongoing stress, depression, and even loneliness—is associated with a faster ticking of these epigenetic clocks.
This is a crucial finding because a faster biological age, as indicated by these clocks, is linked to a higher risk of disease and mortality, independent of a person’s actual age. The research suggests that the stress and emotional distress we experience can leave measurable marks on our epigenome, essentially accelerating the aging of our cells. These psychological adversities can trigger chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone systems, which in turn alter DNA methylation patterns.
While the observed effects were modest, they were consistent across different studies, strengthening the confidence in this relationship. This work highlights the profound impact of our mental well-being on our physical, cellular health and suggests that interventions aimed at improving mental health could potentially play a role in slowing down biological aging. It bridges the fields of mental health and aging research, underscoring the importance of addressing psychological well-being as a vital part of a holistic strategy for healthy aging.
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