Financial strain not only affects a person’s mental well-being but can also have long-term consequences on their physical health. A study conducted by scientists at University College London (UCL) and Kings College in the UK explored the impact of different types of chronic stress on health markers in older cohorts. The study included nearly 5,000 adults over the age of 50 and examined six common stressors, including financial strain, caregiving, disability, bereavement, illness, and divorce. The findings revealed that financial strain was associated with the riskiest health profiles in the long run.
To assess the impact of stress on health, the researchers analyzed four biomarkers in the participants’ blood: cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and insulin-growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to stress, while CRP and fibrinogen are immune players that respond to inflammation. IGF-1 is linked to aging and longevity. The study found that individuals who reported being generally stressed were 61% more likely to belong to the high-risk category than those with moderate or low levels of stress. Specifically, people who experienced financial stress alone were nearly 60% more likely to show a high-risk profile four years later. The likelihood of belonging to the high-risk category increased by 19% for each additional stressor, such as divorce. Importantly, these associations remained significant regardless of genetics, socioeconomics, age, sex, or lifestyle factors.
Understanding the Mechanism
While the study does not directly establish causation between stress and long-term health issues, it sheds light on the significant impact of stress on the aging body. Acute stress triggers hormonal changes that increase breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Additionally, the immune system responds by producing more pro-inflammatory molecules. Prolonged stress leads to chronic immune activation, which can worsen both physical and mental well-being. Chronic stress disrupts the balance between the immune and neuroendocrine systems, leading to disease.
Identifying the Most Damaging Stressors
The study highlighted financial stress, bereavement, and longstanding illness as the stressors with the greatest long-term impact on immune and neuroendocrine biomarkers. This suggests an ongoing physical effect of chronic stress. However, it is essential to note that the study’s reliance on four biomarkers has limitations in fully understanding human health. For example, the study found that higher alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk profile. While this may be due to alcohol’s anti-inflammatory effects, it does not indicate that increasing alcohol consumption is beneficial overall for human health.
One limitation of the study is that the majority of participants were White, which restricts the generalizability of the findings, particularly for ethnic groups that often experience higher levels of stress. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the associations between stress and health, further research with more diverse populations is required.
The Way Forward
Despite these limitations, the researchers at UCL conclude that the immune and neuroendocrine response to stress presents an important target for clinical intervention. Identifying strategies to mitigate the impact of stress on both mental and physical health is crucial in promoting overall well-being. Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the causal relationship between stress and long-term health outcomes and to develop effective interventions to alleviate the burden of chronic stress.
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