Can Meditation Keep You Younger Longer? This Study Says It Is Possible

Meditation is often seen as a quick way to relax and clear the mind. But new research suggests its benefits may go far beyond a temporary calm. According to a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Biomolecules, people who have practised Transcendental Meditation (TM) for over a decade — and even up to 40 years — show biological signs of being younger and less stressed than those who don’t meditate.

In this study, scientists compared two groups of people: long-time TM practitioners (either 12 or 40 years) and a control group of non-meditators, all of similar age. What they found was striking: the meditators had lower levels of stress hormones, healthier gene expression patterns, and other biomarkers that suggest slower biological aging.

"The reduced cortisol-to-cortisone ratio in meditators suggests they have more adaptive reserve and resilience,” said Dr. Kenneth Walton, a physiologist at Maharishi International University in the US, one of the lead authors of the study.

The Science Behind TM: What Was Measured?

The researchers examined:

  • Gene expression related to inflammation and ageing
  • Brain activity (EEG) as a measure of cognitive function
  • Steroid hormone levels in hair, such as cortisol, a marker of chronic stress

Results showed that those practising TM had lower expression of genes linked to ageing and inflammation — including the SOCS3 gene, which is associated with chronic stress and energy metabolism. Their hair cortisol levels, which reflect long-term stress exposure, were also significantly lower.

"This study provides evidence that long-term practice of TM technologies has a broad range of health benefits at the molecular level,” said Supaya Wenuganen, a molecular physiologist at the university.

Why Does This Matter?

The findings are important because chronic stress has long been known to be harmful to health. In fact, years of scientific research have shown that persistent stress can contribute to earlier onset of major diseases — including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cognitive decline.

A separate review study on stress and ageing helps explain why. Chronic stress triggers a neurobiological response in the body, which in turn can:

  • Shorten telomeres (the protective caps on DNA)
  • Increase inflammation
  • Damage mitochondria (the energy factories of our cells)
  • Speed up cellular aging and senescence

In other words, stress doesn’t just make you feel older — it may actually make your body age faster.

The latest TM study fits into this bigger picture. By lowering stress hormones and promoting healthier gene activity, long-term meditation might help slow these harmful aging processes.

How Does Transcendental Meditation Work?

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, mantra-based practice developed and popularised by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 20th century, rooted in ancient Vedic traditions. It involves silently repeating a personal mantra twice a day for about 20 minutes. It’s easy to learn and is taught by certified instructors around the world.

The calming effects of TM are also being studied in mental health. In a study funded by the David Lynch Foundation, military members with PTSD and anxiety showed dramatic improvements after learning TM. About 84% of those who meditated stabilised, reduced, or even stopped taking anxiety medications — compared to just 59% in the non-meditating group.

That’s a big difference — and it highlights meditation’s potential not only for general wellness but also for managing serious mental health conditions.

So, Should You Start Meditating?

While the benefits of short-term meditation are well known — reduced anxiety, improved focus, better sleep — this study points to something more profound: a possibility that meditation, when practised over many years, could help your body stay younger and more resilient.

It’s important to note that the new findings were based on people who have been meditating consistently for decades. But it’s never too late to start, say experts. As more research unfolds, especially into how meditation affects people from different backgrounds and health profiles, the case for adopting this low-cost, non-invasive practice only grows stronger.

Meditation isn’t just about calming your mind for 20 minutes a day — it might be an investment in your future health. And as this study suggests, the longer you stick with it, the greater the returns could be.

The writer is a senior independent journalist.

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