Worrying About Aging May Actually Age Women Faster

Anxiety about growing older, declining health linked to aging-related biological changes

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that anxiety about aging, particularly fears about declining health, may manifest on a cellular level and contribute to accelerated aging among women. The study analyzed data from 726 women and found that having greater anxiety about growing old was associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, as measured by the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock.

Why it matters

The study suggests that mental and physical health across the lifespan are intimately connected, despite often being treated as separate entities. It highlights aging anxiety as a measurable and modifiable psychological determinant that seems to be shaping aging biology, with potential implications for physical decline and increased vulnerability to aging-related diseases.

The details

The researchers analyzed data from 726 women who took part in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Women were asked about how much they worried about becoming less attractive with age, having more health issues, and being too old to have children. The study also collected blood samples to measure aging using two "epigenetic clocks." Having greater anxiety about growing old was associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, as measured by the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock. Worrying about declining health had the strongest associations with epigenetic aging, while anxiety about declining attractiveness and fertility were not significantly associated.

  • The study was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology on February 10, 2026.

The players

Mariana Rodrigues

A PhD student at NYU School of Global Public Health and the first author of the study.

Adolfo Cuevas

Associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health and the study's senior author.

Jemar R. Bather

A study coauthor from NYU School of Global Public Health.

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What they’re saying

“Our research suggests that subjective experiences may be driving objective measures of aging. Aging-related anxiety is not merely a psychological concern, but may leave a mark on the body with real health consequences.”

— Mariana Rodrigues, PhD student at NYU School of Global Public Health (Psychoneuroendocrinology)

“We know from previous research that anxiety, depression, and mental health in general are associated with a number of physical health outcomes, but until now researchers haven't focused on whether there is a correlation between worrying about aging and the process of aging itself.”

— Mariana Rodrigues, PhD student at NYU School of Global Public Health (Psychoneuroendocrinology)

“Our research identifies aging anxiety as a measurable and modifiable psychological determinant that seems to be shaping aging biology.”

— Adolfo Cuevas, Associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health (Psychoneuroendocrinology)

What’s next

More studies are needed to clarify how this type of anxiety influences aging over time, which could help health professionals determine how to best support those experiencing aging anxiety and mitigate related harm.

The takeaway

This study highlights the intimate connection between mental and physical health, and suggests that addressing aging anxiety could have important implications for supporting healthy aging among women.