Toxic relationships may accelerate biological ageing by nearly a year per person
A new study has revealed how difficult relationships can speed up biological ageing. Published in PNAS, the research shows that each demanding or critical person in someone’s life may add nearly nine months to their biological age. The findings suggest that who we spend time with affects longevity as much as diet or exercise.
Researchers defined ‘hasslers’ as people who make excessive demands, are overly critical, unreliable, or simply irritating. Chronic stress from these individuals keeps cortisol levels elevated, leading to inflammation and cellular damage. The study found that the biological ageing gap caused by such relationships accounted for 13-17% of the difference seen between smokers and non-smokers.
Stress from family members had a stronger ageing effect than stress from a spouse. However, the study also highlighted a protective factor: positive, supportive relationships can act as a buffer. Investing time in people who leave us feeling energised rather than drained may help counteract the toll of difficult ones. Experts suggest auditing one’s social circle to identify who adds stress and who provides support. Reframing boundaries as a form of healthcare could make it easier to distance oneself from demanding individuals. The message is clear—protecting mental peace isn’t just about comfort, but about staying biologically younger.
The study underscores that longevity depends on more than just lifestyle choices. Managing relationships and setting boundaries could be just as important as eating well or exercising. By reducing exposure to ‘hasslers’ and nurturing supportive connections, people may slow down biological ageing and improve long-term health.
