We study the relationship between stress, aging and metabolism. Environmental stresses are generally considered to accelerate aging and age-associated tissue dysfunction because they damage important cellular macromolecules such as DNA, protein and lipids. However, cells have several stress adaptation mechanisms that can reduce negative impacts on cell and organismal homeostasis. Interestingly, appropriate activation of such adaptive mechanisms could often lead to not only increased stress resistance but also general extension of health and lifespan. We hope that, in the future, we are able to utilize some of these protective mechanisms to generate therapeutics for age-associated degenerative disorders.