Chronic stress is associated with increased production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, which is linked to various age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. A longitudinal study of 119 caregivers and 106 noncaregivers found that caregivers had a significantly steeper increase in IL-6 levels over six years compared to noncaregivers. This difference persisted even after the death of the spouse being cared for, suggesting that chronic stressors may accelerate immune aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The study controlled for factors such as health problems, medications, and health behaviors, but found no significant differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in these areas. The findings suggest that chronic stressors, such as caregiving, may contribute to premature aging of the immune system, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The study also found that African Americans had higher IL-6 levels than non-African Americans, which may contribute to racial disparities in health. The research highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which chronic stress affects health, particularly in older adults.Chronic stress is associated with increased production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, which is linked to various age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. A longitudinal study of 119 caregivers and 106 noncaregivers found that caregivers had a significantly steeper increase in IL-6 levels over six years compared to noncaregivers. This difference persisted even after the death of the spouse being cared for, suggesting that chronic stressors may accelerate immune aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The study controlled for factors such as health problems, medications, and health behaviors, but found no significant differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in these areas. The findings suggest that chronic stressors, such as caregiving, may contribute to premature aging of the immune system, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The study also found that African Americans had higher IL-6 levels than non-African Americans, which may contribute to racial disparities in health. The research highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which chronic stress affects health, particularly in older adults.