Recent research at Harvard has shed light on the complex relationship between chronological and biological age, challenging the conception of aging as a linear and immutable process. Three key moments have been identified when the biological clock appears to accelerate. Jesse Poganik, a genetics expert at Brigham and co-author of the study, highlights the dynamism of biological age.

These crucial moments are surgery, pregnancy, and coronavirus infection. Surgery generates physiological stress, accelerating aging. However, recovery can vary, in some cases experiencing a reduction in biological age. During pregnancy, physical and hormonal changes also accelerate biological age, although after childbirth, a reduction occurs. Coronavirus infection has been shown to accelerate aging, but partial recovery is possible through the restoration of DNA methylation levels.

In addition to these factors, stress and its duration also influence aging. Chronic stress accelerates biological age, but short-term acute stress can reverse the signs of aging.

This research represents an important advance in our understanding of aging. It opens up opportunities for future research and possible interventions to improve quality of life in later life.