Can Psychedelics Slow Aging?

Charlotte Jekill
Jul 26
2 min read

By Dr. Kathryn Dundas | Sublime Life

Slow Age with Intention

A groundbreaking new study suggests psilocybin may slow cellular aging—and possibly even reverse some signs of it.

In this week’s Journal, we’re diving into what researchers just discovered about psychedelics, oxidative stress, and the rate at which our bodies age.

Spoiler: it’s not just about lifespan anymore—it’s about healthspan and your pace of aging.

We’re used to hearing about psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—in conversations about mental health. But this past week, a new study out of Emory University made headlines for a different reason: its effects on aging.

Researchers found that psilocin, the metabolite of psilocybin, extended the lifespan of human cells by over 50% and significantly delayed biological aging in mice. The treated mice even started to look younger—reversing signs like hair graying.

So what’s actually happening?

It appears that these compounds may reduce oxidative stress, preserve DNA integrity, and improve cellular resilience—all markers linked to longevity. Add in psilocybin’s known ability to enhance neuroplasticity and increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and suddenly we’re looking at a multi-system reset that touches both mind and body.

Of course, human applications are still in their infancy, and more research is needed. But what’s clear is this: presence and plasticity—the ability to reset your nervous system and evolve how you respond to stress—are becoming central themes in the science of aging.

Practitioner Pick of the Week:

Discover Your Biological Age

Chronological age is just a number. But your biological age tells a deeper story: how well your body has been aging—right down to the level of your DNA.

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Science with S O L E

When we talk about aging, we often zero in on labs and numbers. But true longevity isn’t just about what shows up in your bloodwork—it’s about what shows up in your life.

Your pace of aging is influenced by stress, connection, light, breath, and even how much time you spend being fully present. Which is why we designed Rewild & Renew, our flagship retreat, to give your system a reset from the inside out.

This isn’t a break from life. It’s where you meet your life again. In presence. In stillness. In wildness.