Worries About Aging May Accelerate Cellular Aging in Women, NYU Study Finds

A 2025 NYU study of 726 U.S. women links higher aging-related anxiety—especially fears about declining health—with faster cellular aging as shown by the DunedinPACE clock (and corroborated by GrimAge2). The effect is modest, cross-sectional, and does not establish causation; behavioral coping (e.g., smoking, alcohol use) may mediate the relationship. The finding suggests a mind–body link in aging but requires longitudinal research to determine direction and generalizability beyond women.