MANILA, June 28 — For many people across Asia, noticing grey hair in their twenties or struggling with memory in their thirties can feel deeply unsettling. It often sparks fears that the body or brain is ageing far too quickly. But neurologists say these changes do not necessarily mean you are ageing faster than expected — though chronic stress can influence several biological processes linked to healthy ageing.
Dr Neha Pandita, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Unit Head at Fortis Hospital in Noida, explains that genetics, nutrition, sleep, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions all play an important role alongside stress. For communities across the region, where long working hours and family pressures are common, understanding this distinction matters.
How stress affects the brain and body
Dr Pandita shared with HT Lifestyle that chronic stress can disrupt multiple systems that support healthy brain and body function. She notes that while these signs are not necessarily signs of accelerated ageing, chronic stress can impact several biological processes related to how the body and brain age. Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones that prepare us to deal with immediate challenges.
But when stress becomes chronic, prolonged exposure to these hormones can affect sleep quality, increase inflammation, alter metabolism, and impair brain function. For families across the region, this means the daily grind of juggling work, caregiving, and financial pressures may be taking a toll in ways we do not always see.
The brain is particularly vulnerable to prolonged stress. Dr Pandita explains that stress levels can affect areas such as the hippocampus, which is central to learning and memory. This may result in trouble concentrating, mental fatigue, or feeling like your memory is not what it used to be.
What this means for people in their 20s and 30s
For younger adults noticing these changes, it is easy to jump to the worst conclusion. But Dr Pandita’s explanation offers some reassurance: the body and brain are complex, and many factors are at play. Closer to home, across cities like Manila, Jakarta, and Delhi, where stress levels are high and rest is often sacrificed, understanding these mechanisms can help people take practical steps.
Chronic stress does not automatically mean you are ageing faster, but it can influence how your body and brain function day to day. Sleep quality, inflammation levels, and metabolic health are all connected to stress.
When these systems are out of balance, the effects can show up in ways that feel like premature ageing. Dr Pandita’s insights remind us that while stress is a part of modern life, its long-term impact on the brain and body deserves attention. For communities across Asia, where extended family care and demanding work schedules are common, finding ways to manage stress is not just about feeling better in the moment — it is about protecting long-term health.
Looking ahead, experts say paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle habits can make a real difference. The conversation around stress and ageing is not about alarm, but about understanding what is within our control.
