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Anxiety Linked to Faster Biological Aging in Women

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mariana Rodrigues at New York University found that aging anxiety over health decline correlates with accelerated biological aging in women, measured by the DunedinPACE clock.
The association persists after adjusting for chronic health conditions, suggesting worry itself contributes to biological deterioration.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and body mass index may mediate this relationship.
The authors call for longitudinal studies to clarify causal links between anxiety and biological aging.

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Story summary

Mariana Rodrigues at New York University found that aging anxiety over health decline correlates with accelerated biological aging in women, measured by the DunedinPACE clock.
The association persists after adjusting for chronic health conditions, suggesting worry itself contributes to biological deterioration.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and body mass index may mediate this relationship.
The authors call for longitudinal studies to clarify causal links between anxiety and biological aging.