Stressful, Toxic People May Make You Age Faster, Researchers Warn

New Delhi | 2026
Being surrounded by stressful or toxic individuals may do more than simply affect your mood or emotional well-being. Researchers now suggest that persistent exposure to negative social relationships could actually accelerate biological ageing, potentially increasing the risk of long-term health problems.

Recent research examining the connection between social environments and physical health indicates that people who frequently interact with individuals who cause emotional stress or conflict may experience measurable changes in their body that are associated with faster ageing.

The findings highlight the importance of healthy relationships and emotional balance, suggesting that the people we interact with regularly may influence not only our mental health but also how our bodies age over time.

Researchers Examine Social Relationships and Ageing

In the study, researchers analysed data from more than 2,000 adults, focusing on their social networks and the type of interactions they experienced with people in their daily lives.

Participants were asked to identify individuals who often caused emotional strain, stress, or conflict. These individuals were described by researchers as “hasslers” — people who frequently create tension or difficult situations within personal relationships. The research team then examined biological samples from participants, including saliva, to study markers associated with ageing. Scientists used advanced methods to analyse DNA methylation, a biological process that helps determine how cells age over time.

DNA methylation patterns can provide an estimate of biological age, which may differ from chronological age. While chronological age refers to the number of years a person has lived, biological age reflects how quickly a person’s body is ageing at the cellular level.

A large study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) examined how stressful social relationships influence biological ageing. According to the research, which analysed data from 2,345 participants aged 18 to 104, scientists used saliva samples to measure epigenetic ageing markers using advanced biological clocks such as GrimAge and DunedinPACE.

The findings suggested that each additional toxic individual in a person’s social network — referred to as a “hassler” — was linked to approximately 1.5% faster biological ageing. On average, individuals who reported having toxic relationships appeared around nine months biologically older than those who reported fewer stressful social ties.

Researchers also found that negative social relationships are relatively common. Nearly 28.8% of participants reported having at least one toxic individual in their social network, while around 10% reported having two or more such stressful relationships.

Experts say these findings highlight how social stress may act as a long-term health risk factor. Studies analysing biological ageing markers suggest that repeated exposure to negative social interactions can function as a chronic stressor, potentially affecting long-term health outcomes and accelerating ageing processes in the body.

Further analysis of the research, discussed in psychological health publications such as Psychology Today, indicates that toxic relationships may contribute to biological ageing by continuously activating the body’s stress response system. Over time, this prolonged stress response may lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and cellular wear that gradually speeds up ageing.

Toxic Relationships Linked to Faster Ageing

According to the findings, each additional stressful relationship in a person’s life was associated with a measurable increase in the pace of biological ageing.

Researchers estimated that individuals who experienced ongoing stress from negative social ties could appear several months biologically older than people who did not report similar stress in their relationships.

Although the difference may seem small at first, scientists say that the cumulative impact of chronic stress over many years could contribute to long-term health risks.

The results suggest that social environments and personal relationships may play a significant role in shaping physical health outcomes.

Chronic Stress and Its Impact on the Body

Experts say that the connection between toxic relationships and faster ageing is likely driven by chronic stress, which can trigger several biological changes in the body.

When people repeatedly experience emotional tension, the body activates its stress response system, commonly known as the “fight-or-flight” response.

During this process, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released to help the body react to perceived threats.

While this response can be useful in short-term situations, long-term activation of the stress response can place significant strain on the body.

Over time, chronic stress may contribute to:

• Increased inflammation

• Hormonal imbalances

• Weakened immune function

• Higher blood pressure

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue and reduced energy levels

These biological changes may accelerate the ageing process and increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health challenges.

The Role of Telomeres and Cellular Ageing

Another factor that may contribute to the connection between stress and ageing is the effect of chronic stress on telomeres.

Telomeres are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes. They help maintain the stability of genetic material during cell division.

As people age, telomeres gradually shorten. However, prolonged stress and inflammation may accelerate this shortening process.

When telomeres become too short, cells lose their ability to function properly or replicate effectively. This process is associated with cellular ageing and the development of age-related diseases.

Scientists believe that stressful social relationships may indirectly influence telomere health by increasing the body’s exposure to long-term stress hormones and inflammatory responses.

Negative Social Ties Are More Common Than Many Realise

The research also revealed that a significant portion of people report having at least one stressful relationship in their social network.

These relationships may involve:

• Family members

• Friends

• Workplace colleagues

• Acquaintances

• Community members

In many cases, individuals may feel obligated to maintain these relationships despite the emotional strain they create.

Experts say this is particularly common in situations where family expectations, professional obligations, or social norms make it difficult to distance oneself from negative interactions.

Emotional Stress Can Affect Mental Health Too

In addition to physical ageing, stressful relationships can also have a strong impact on mental well-being.

Psychologists say individuals who regularly experience emotional conflict or criticism from others may be more likely to develop symptoms such as:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep problems

Over time, these psychological effects can further contribute to physical health problems, creating a cycle where stress affects both the mind and body.

Mental health specialists emphasize that emotional well-being and physical health are closely connected, and improving one can often help improve the other.

Importance of Supportive Relationships

While toxic relationships may contribute to stress and faster ageing, positive and supportive relationships can have the opposite effect.

Studies have consistently shown that people with strong social support systems tend to experience better mental health, stronger immune function, and longer life expectancy.

Supportive relationships can help reduce stress, encourage healthy behaviors, and provide emotional stability during difficult times.

Experts say maintaining a healthy social environment may be just as important as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise routine, and adequate sleep.

Managing the Impact of Toxic Relationships

Although it may not always be possible to completely avoid difficult individuals, experts recommend several strategies to reduce the impact of toxic relationships.

These include:

Setting healthy boundaries: Limiting conversations or interactions that consistently cause stress.

Prioritising supportive relationships: Spending more time with friends and family members who provide encouragement and understanding.

Practicing stress management: Activities such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can help regulate the body’s stress response.

Seeking professional guidance: Counseling or therapy may help individuals develop coping strategies for managing difficult relationships.

Mental health professionals say learning to recognize emotionally unhealthy patterns is an important step toward protecting long-term well-being.

A Growing Focus on Social Health

The study adds to a growing body of research highlighting the role of social health in overall well-being.

For many years, public health discussions have focused primarily on factors such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. However, scientists are increasingly recognising that social relationships and emotional environments also play a critical role in determining health outcomes.

Understanding how everyday interactions influence stress levels and biological ageing may help guide future research and public health strategies.

Experts say the findings serve as an important reminder that maintaining healthy relationships and emotional balance is not only beneficial for mental health but may also help protect long-term physical health.