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Lifetime non-relational traumatic experiences are associated with biological ageing
Thole H Hoppen1,2, Nexhmedin Morina1, Monica Aas3
1Institute of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Geroscience
|January 27, 2026
Summary
Exposure to non-relational trauma is linked to accelerated biological aging, particularly frailty. This study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate aging-related health decline in trauma-exposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychotraumatology
- Biomarkers of Aging
Background:
- Non-relational trauma (e.g., accidents, war, illness) is associated with adverse health outcomes.
- The impact of non-relational trauma on biological aging markers is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between non-relational trauma and multiple biological aging markers.
- To determine if these associations vary by trauma burden, type, and sex.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of UK Biobank data from 152,863 participants.
- Assessment of lifetime exposure to six non-relational traumatic experiences.
- Evaluation of biological aging markers: metabolomic age (MileAge) delta, metabolomic mortality profile score, frailty, leukocyte telomere length, and grip strength.
Main Results:
- Non-relational trauma correlated with older metabolomic age (MileAge delta) and elevated metabolomic mortality scores.
- A significant graded association was found between non-relational trauma and increased frailty.
- Life-threatening illness showed the strongest association with frailty; no consistent links with telomere length or grip strength were observed.
- Sex differences were noted, with stronger frailty associations in females.
Conclusions:
- Lifetime non-relational trauma is associated with accelerated biological aging profiles, especially frailty.
- Findings underscore the long-term health implications of trauma exposure and the need for age-related health decline mitigation strategies.
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