Health
Toxic people in your life may have a hidden health impact, study suggests
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Surrounding yourself with difficult people could shorten your lifespan, according to new research.
A study published in the journal PNAS found that negative social ties contribute to a faster aging pace and an older biological age.
The researchers, from various U.S.-based universities, studied how “hasslers,” or people who often cause problems or social difficulties, impacted aging and mortality, according to a study press release.
NEW STUDY HINTS AT A HIDDEN ALZHEIMER’S RISK FACTOR AFFECTING OLDER AMERICANS
Biological aging refers to the pace of aging on a cellular level, which is often different from chronological age.
Based on a sample of more than 2,000 Indiana participants 18 years and older, nearly 30% of individuals reported having a “hassler” in their network.
The study suggests that negative relationships can act like chronic stressors that wear the body down over time. (iStock)
People who were more likely to report hasslers included women, daily smokers, people in worse health and those with adverse childhood experiences.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Using biological clocks that measure age-related changes to DNA, the researchers found that the presence of hasslers was linked to accelerated aging, higher inflammation, more chronic conditions and worse mental health.
For each additional hassler, there was about a 1.5% increased pace of aging and about a nine-month older biological age.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Not all hasslers “exert the same influence,” as blood relatives and non-blood relatives both showed “detrimental” associations, but spouse hasslers do not, the researchers stated.
Blood-related hasslers are hard to avoid, making them “stronger chronic stressors,” according to the study. Spouse hasslers may not have shown a significant association because these ties mix negative and positive exchanges.
Kin and non-kin relationships were more “detrimental” to health than spouse relationships, the study found. (iStock)
“These findings together highlight the critical role of negative social ties in biological aging as chronic stressors, and the need for interventions that reduce harmful social exposures to promote healthier aging trajectories,” the researchers wrote in the study abstract.
“We are surrounded by those who make our lives difficult and cause problems,” study co-author Byungkyu Lee of NYU’s Department of Sociology told Fox News Digital.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“We found that they are not just stressful; they are associated with measurable acceleration in biological aging at the molecular level, along with higher inflammation, depression, anxiety and chronic disease burden.”
“Our results suggest that the overall balance of one’s social network matters.”
Reducing exposure to people who consistently create stress or conflict “may benefit health,” the study suggests, although this is not always realistic, Lee noted.
“Many of these relationships involve family members or others who are deeply embedded in daily life, so the challenge is often not simply avoiding them, but finding healthier ways to manage them,” he said. “More broadly, our results suggest that the overall balance of one’s social network matters.”
“Many of these relationships involve family members or others who are deeply embedded in daily life, so the challenge is often not simply avoiding them, but finding healthier ways to manage them,” said the researcher. (iStock)
Community-based programs that expand social circles through shared hobbies, volunteering or mutual aid may be beneficial, the researchers suggested.
“Broadening and diversifying one’s network may be one way to offset some of the biological toll associated with chronic relationship stress,” Lee added.
Study limitations
The authors noted that these findings only show an association, but do not prove that toxic relationships have a negative impact on aging. Other traits or environments were not considered when measuring morbidity.
Because the data came from one Midwestern sample, it may not apply to other cultural or socioeconomic populations.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
The study used data collected at one point in time, which means it cannot show whether hasslers came before the aging changes or if the faster aging influenced social perceptions.
The hassler relationships were also self-reported and subject to participants’ moods and experiences — which could introduce some bias.
Health
New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast
Ultra-processed foods linked to dementia risk
Amen Clinics Associate Medical Director Dr. Eboni Cornish joins ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss a study revealing a 58% higher dementia risk and 46% increase in cognitive impairment from consuming ultra-processed foods.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.
Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday’s Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the broadcast.
“It’s early-stage Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, for now,” he continued. “But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.”
‘DUCK DYNASTY’ STAR PHIL ROBERTSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is stepping away from the WABC-TV anchor desk. (Linda Rosier/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he added.
According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.
He began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.
WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER’S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Bill Ritter has anchored WABC-TV’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001. (Heidi Gutman/Disney via Getty Images)
ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most,” WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.
“A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” she continued.
“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them.”
EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER’S DRUG COULD REDUCE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL DAMAGE, RESEARCHERS SAY
Bill Ritter, Eyewitness News Anchor, WABC-TV, speaks onstage at the ROAR Forward Summit at Hearst Tower on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Hearst)
“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News,” Galvez added.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter’s announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family “strength in the days ahead.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers’ homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city,” Mamdani wrote on X. “
“His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone,” he continued. “Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s strength in the days ahead.”
Ritter’s colleagues also reacted to his announcement.
ALZHEIMER’S RISK SLASHED BY EATING MORE OF ONE COMMON FOOD, STUDY SUGGESTS
WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter’s professionalism and dedication during his decades-long career at the station.
“For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him,” she posted on X. “He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you.”
Lee Goldberg, the station’s chief meteorologist, said Ritter’s influence would continue long after he stepped away from the anchor desk.
“He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we’re all in this together,” Goldberg said on X. “Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he’ll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“You’re a saint, and my hero @billritter7,” he added. “Love you.”
Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ Woman with advanced Alzheimer’s regained speech and memories after taking magic mushrooms
→ Exercise habit may slash dementia risk and help you live longer
→ Americans born after 1970 face higher death rates from several causes in middle age
A woman with advanced Alzheimer’s reportedly showed significant brain function improvements after taking psilocybin mushrooms, per a case report. (iStock)
Drink discourse
→ Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests
→ Dirty soda drinks are everywhere, but doctors warn they are ‘metabolic disaster’
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Dirty sodas combine soft drinks with syrups, creamers and fruit juices, delivering up to 400 calories and 70 grams of sugar per drink, doctors warn. (iStock)
Conversation starters
→ Americans to get new sunscreen option already used abroad for decades
→ Drinking alcohol may influence cravings for certain foods in surprising way
→ Bride in full wedding gown makes two-hour hospital trip to see mother before ceremony
-
Los Angeles, Ca44 minutes agoAlleged DUI driver plows car into SoCal construction scaffolding, causing it to come crashing down
-
Detroit, MI1 hour agoThe Lions may have turned a one-game emergency into a possible full-time plan for 2026
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoSan Francisco Giants pitcher writes Bible verse on hat in defiance of Pride Night
-
Dallas, TX1 hour ago
NHL Rumors: Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Top 30 NHL Free Agents
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoVideo shows deputy shooting teen armed with gun after confrontation in SW Miami-Dade
-
Boston, MA1 hour agoPerson hospitalized after incident at Aquarium MBTA station – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoWhy Nuggets Could Be Closer to a Championship Than It Seems
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoWEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 39 things to know about today/tonight
