By Morgan Sherburne – University of Michigan

Adverse childhood experiences can detrimentally affect muscle function in older adults by impairing mitochondrial activity necessary for energy production. The study analyzed muscle biopsies from over 870 participants aged 70 and older, linking reported childhood adversities with reduced production of ATP, the energy currency of cells. These findings highlight the profound and lasting impacts of early trauma on physical health, showing that childhood experiences can “get under the skin” to influence aging outcomes. The study underscores the importance of addressing childhood traumas to mitigate their long-term health consequences.