Around 67% of Americans who are younger than 65 say that they're worried about what their life may be like when they’re older, especially concerning their physical and mental health.

According to a new study, that's a good way to make your worst fears come true.

Researchers from New York University looked at data on women enrolled in the Midlife in the United States study who reported how anxious they were about developing health problems as seniors. The researchers also analyzed the women's blood samples to identify epigenetic changes (genes that are turned on or off) and other signs of biological damage that indicate accelerated aging.

Women who were most anxious about their future health sped their biological aging, making them more vulnerable to developing dementia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hearing loss.

But you have the power to allay your worries about your future health and prevent accelerated aging. (You can even turn the clock back.) Here’s what to do:

• Get a posse and a purpose.

• Ditch highly processed foods and red meats.

• Get 300 minutes of exercise weekly.

• Sleep for six to eight hours a night.

You can also embrace the 30-plus steps outlined in my book "The Great Age Reboot," and consider the number one therapy for reversing aging — therapeutic plasma exchange. I've had four sessions and feel younger than I have in many years.