Chronic work-related stress a potential factor in biological aging
The European University for Well-Being alliance (EUniWell), coordinated by the University of Cologne, has developed a model that describes potential links between work-related stress and biological aging and sets out recommendations on how employers can promote the health of their staff. The findings have been published in the journal ‘GeroScience’.
Chronic stress in the workplace can have a long-term impact on health. The issue of whether and how persistent work-related stress might also be affecting biological aging processes is the focus of a new scientific study involving researchers from Semmelweis University in Budapest and other member institutions of the European University for Well-Being alliance (EUniWell), including the University of Cologne. The paper, published in the journal GeroScience under the title “Work stress and healthy aging: A conceptual framework for the Semmelweis study and the Semmelweis-EUniWell workplace health promotion model program”, has developed a model that describes potential links between work-related stress and biological aging, and derives approaches for promoting health in the workplace based on these findings. The authors include, among others, Virág Zábó, Andrea Lehoczki, Péter Varga, and Annamária Buda. On the part of the University of Cologne, Professor Dr Beatrix Busse, Chief Development Officer for EUniWell and the University’s Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies, is also a co-author of the paper.
How work-related stress might be linked to biological aging
Biological aging refers to changes in the body that are not determined solely by chronological age. Chronic stress could influence these processes via various biological mechanisms. These include, among other things, sustained activation of stress hormone regulation, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress, changes in DNA methylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and telomere shortening.
In this context, the researchers do not view stress solely as an isolated problem for the individual. The conditions under which people work can also play a part, with factors such as limited agency, unclear roles, emotional strain, conflicts or a lack of social support also contributing to chronic stress. By the same token, having good social relationships, receiving support from leaders and having opportunities to contribute can help alleviate stress.
From research to a working environment that promotes health
A key foundation for further research is the so-called Semmelweis Study at Semmelweis University in Budapest. The study investigates the health of university employees, assessing not only cardiometabolic health parameters but also cognitive function and biological markers of aging. As the largest long-term study of its kind in Central Europe, it aims to help us better understand the links between working conditions and health. The baseline survey commenced in 2024, and the intention is to collect data at five-year intervals over a period of at least twenty years.
“Universities offer ideal conditions for this kind of research. They are both research institutions and major employers, with staff from a variety of professional backgrounds and working contexts. The Semmelweis study can therefore investigate links between working conditions and health, whilst at the same time providing starting points for changes to promote health directly at the university as a workplace,” says Dr Virág Zábó, a psychologist at Semmelweis University and lead author of the current publication.
Based on the Semmelweis Study, the authors have developed the ‘Semmelweis-EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model’, which combines measures at the organizational level with initiatives aimed at individual employees. This can include, for example, workplaces designed to promote good health, flexible working conditions, supportive leadership, and participatory decision-making processes. At the individual level, approaches drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, sleep optimization, and physical activity, are taken into account along with other aspects.
Can reducing stress influence biological aging?
The paper, which has now been published, lays the conceptual foundations for further research. Future studies by the research team will investigate whether biological aging processes can be influenced by measures designed to reduce work-related stress. One way of doing this could be to use, among other things, methods of measurement that estimate biological age on the basis of changes in DNA. In addition, protein analyses and continuously collected physiological data could help to identify potential changes in biological aging processes.
Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
For content-related enquiries:
Professor Dr Beatrix Busse
EUniWell Chief Development Officer, University of Cologne
beatrix.busse@uni-koeln.de
Press and Communications Team:
Rahel Camps
EUniWell Communications and Dissemination Expert, University of Cologne
+49 1512 2662746
rahel.camps@uni-koeln.de
Originalpublikation:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-026-02526-y?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20260915&utm_content=10.1007%2Fs11357-026-02526-y
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