Telomeres and lifestyle factors: Roles in cellular aging

► Leukocyte telomere length and telomerase activity are linked to a wide variety of aging-related diseases and their risks. ► Telomere maintenance may integrate the effects of genetic, environmental and life style factors on aging-related diseases. ► Psychological stress, as an important life style and behavioral factor, is associated with shorter telomere length. ► Stress hormones, inflammation and oxidative stress are proposed mechanisms that mediate the above-mentioned associations.