Stressful People in Your Life Could Be Adding Months To Your Biological Age

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by msmash

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A groundbreaking study published in PNAS reveals that people who regularly cause stress or difficulties—referred to as "hasslers"—can significantly impact the biological aging of those around them. The research found that each additional hassler is associated with roughly 1.5% faster biological aging, equivalent to about nine months of added age compared to same-aged peers. Conducted on a representative sample of 2,345 adults in Indiana aged 18 to 103, the study utilized DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks and social network data to measure these effects. The study discovered that the impact varies depending on the relationship type. Family members who act as hasslers had the strongest association with accelerated aging, while spouses showed no significant effect. This suggests that chronic stress from family conflicts may have a more profound impact than occasional challenges in other relationships. The biological toll also extends beyond aging, with each additional hassler linked to increased depression, anxiety, BMI, inflammation, and multimorbidity. Interestingly, the study found that the negative effects of hasslers on aging clocks are comparable to 13-17% of the impact caused by smoking—a major behavioral risk factor for aging. This highlights the significant role that social stressors can play in overall health and longevity. The findings underscore the importance of addressing chronic stress and difficult relationships as a key factor in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. For

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/23/2026