Don't worry, be happy (about getting older)
Around 67% of Americans who are younger than 65 say that they're worried about what their life may be like when they are older -- especially concerning their physical and mental health. Well, according to a new study, that's a good way to make your worst fears come true.
Researchers from New York University looked at data on women enrolled in the Midlife in the United States study who reported how anxious they were about developing health problems as seniors. The researchers also analyzed the women's blood samples to identify epigenetic changes (genes that are turned on or off) and other signs of biological damage that indicate an accelerated speed of aging.
Women who were most anxious about their future health sped up their biological aging, making them more vulnerable to developing dementia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hearing loss.
But you have the power to allay your worries about your future health and prevent accelerated aging. (You can even turn the clock back!) Embrace the 30-plus steps outlined in my book "The Great Age Reboot" and the coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com. They can roll back your ActualAge by five, 10, even 20 years. (My ActualAge is almost 26 years younger than my chronological age.) Hint: Get a posse and a purpose; ditch highly processed foods and red meats, get 300 minutes of exercise weekly and sleep for six to eight hours a night. And consider the number one therapy that reverses aging -- therapeutic plasma exchange. I've had four TPEs at Lifespan-Edge.com and feel younger than I have in many years.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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