Fear of ageing may age women faster, study suggests

Ageing anxiety may accelerate biological ageing in women, with fears about worsening health linked to faster epigenetic ageing, according to new research.

The study found that greater anxiety about growing old was associated with accelerated epigenetic ageing, as measured by the DunedinPACE clock, based on biological markers in blood samples.

Epigenetic changes are shifts in how genes are switched on or off without altering DNA itself, which can influence how the body ages and functions.

“Our research suggests that subjective experiences may be driving objective measures of ageing,” said Mariana Rodrigues, a PhD student and the first author of the study.

“Ageing-related anxiety is not merely a psychological concern, but may leave a mark on the body with real health consequences.”

Researchers analysed data from 726 women in the Midlife in the US study.

Participants were asked how much they worried about becoming less attractive with age, having more health issues and being too old to have children.

Blood samples were used to assess ageing with two epigenetic clocks: DunedinPACE, which estimates the pace of biological ageing, and GrimAge2, which estimates cumulative biological damage.

The study was conducted by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health.

Worrying about declining health showed the strongest links with epigenetic ageing, while anxiety about attractiveness and fertility was not significantly associated with biological markers.

The authors suggest health worries are more common and persist over time, whereas concerns about appearance and reproduction may fade with age.

“Women in midlife may also be multiple in roles, including caring for their ageing parents,” Rodrigues said.

“As they see older family members grow older and become sick, they may worry about whether the same thing will happen to them.”

The authors caution that the study offers a snapshot in time and other factors may influence these biological changes.

When analyses were adjusted for health behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use, the link between ageing anxiety and epigenetic ageing decreased and was no longer significant.

“Our research identifies ageing anxiety as a measurable and modifiable psychological determinant that seems to be shaping ageing biology,” said Adolfo Cuevas, associate professor of social and behavioural sciences and the study’s senior author.

They call for more research to clarify how this anxiety influences ageing over time, to guide support for those experiencing ageing anxiety.

“Ageing is a universal experience.” Rodrigues said.

“We need to start a discourse about how we as a society, through our norms, structural factors and interpersonal relationships, address the challenges of ageing.”