Stress is your No. 1 ager
There's an epidemic of health-damaging chronic stress in this country. Fully 75% of you say that you experience physical or emotional stress-related symptoms, and half of you report significant daily stress -- often focused on health concerns for yourself or a family member, world events and finances. No wonder so many folks are aging faster than ever.
Unmanaged chronic stress can make your ActualAge 32 years older than your calendar age. That aging happens because of consistently elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and a surge in blood glucose, LDL cholesterol and inflammation-causing proteins. Chronic stress can also increase your risk for obesity, cancer, mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease and susceptibility to infections. You can also experience symptoms such as high blood pressure, aches and pains, insomnia, cloudy thinking, emotional withdrawal or quick temper, fatigue, appetite changes, and/or an increased use of alcohol and drugs to manage emotions.
How can you find a constructive way to deal with people, circumstances and events that challenge your ability to cope?
Be P-pared. It's essential to have a supportive POSSE of friends, family and co-workers; a PURPOSE that makes life's challenges worth it; and plenty of PLAY -- including hobbies, physical activity/exercise (300 minutes a week), and fun. One major study showed these steps can erase 30 of those 32 years of premature aging!
For tips on how to be more relaxed, build and reinforce your posse, discover a sense of purpose and enjoy amazing ways to play, check out the AI stress-management coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.
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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