Psychedelics and longevity: implications for lifespan, healthspan and functional aging
Longevity July 5, 2026 Mark Haden, Birgitta Woods, Tina Woods et al.
A narrative review examines the convergence of psychedelic research and longevity science, exploring how psychedelic-assisted interventions may influence aging trajectories through both direct biological and indirect psychosocial pathways. The review discusses mechanisms such as enhanced neuroplasticity, modulation of immune and inflammatory signaling, stress-response recalibration, and sustained improvements in psychological well-being and social connectedness, which overlap with pathways influencing biological aging. Safety issues and research priorities are also discussed, including integrating biomarkers, functional outcomes, and longitudinal study designs, and considering whether psychedelic interventions may function as systems-level catalysts for healthier aging.