Dr. Elissa Epel

About the Author

Dr. Elissa Epel is a renowned psychologist and leading researcher in the fields of stress, aging, and health, serving as the director of the Aging, Metabolism, and Emotions Research Program at the University of California, San Francisco. With a PhD in clinical psychology from Yale University, she has dedicated her career to uncovering how lifestyle choices influence biological aging and overall well-being. Her groundbreaking work on telomeres—protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with stress and age—has transformed our understanding of how to extend healthspan through mindful practices, nutrition, and emotional resilience. Dr. Epel is a frequent speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous scientific publications, advocating for accessible strategies to combat the effects of chronic stress in everyday life. Through her writing, she empowers readers to adopt science-backed habits for a longer, healthier life.