A leading physician has voiced concern over Elon Musk’s apparent “rapid aging,” after the billionaire appeared noticeably tired and drained during his latest public appearance.
Musk, 54, made his eighth visit to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, released Friday, sparking widespread discussion over his health and appearance. Viewers commented that the Tesla and SpaceX founder seemed older and more fatigued than in previous interviews, prompting medical speculation about the toll of stress and political controversy on his body.
“He Was Fresher-Faced Just Months Ago,” Doctor Says
Dr. Stuart Fischer, a New York-based physician, told the Daily Mail that Musk’s appearance has noticeably changed within a few months. “Even at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, he was fresher-faced compared to now,” Dr. Fischer observed. “The exposure, the stress, and the controversy appear to have aged him physically and emotionally.”
Dr. Fischer emphasized that the effects of chronic stress extend far beyond visible aging. “Rapid aging doesn’t just show on the face,” he said. “It puts you at risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Credit: Jared Siskin / Getty Images.
According to the physician, prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline accelerates the body’s wear and tear, straining the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of blood clots.
How Stress Can Physically Age the Body
“Being stressed all the time floods the body with cortisol,” Dr. Fischer explained. “That makes the heart work harder and weakens your immune system. Chronic stress also interferes with nutrient absorption, so your body can’t effectively use vitamins and antioxidants.”
This, he said, leads to what he described as the “rusting” of cells. “Poor sleep and eating poorly when you’re stressed only make it worse,” he added.
High levels of stress hormones break down collagen; the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic, Science Direct details. The result: dull, sagging skin, dark circles, and more pronounced wrinkles. Sleep deprivation only intensifies these effects, creating a visible cycle of fatigue and accelerated aging.
Cognitive Strain and Mental Fatigue
Stress doesn’t just change appearance, it also impacts the brain. Elevated cortisol levels and chronic exhaustion can physically shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotional regulation.
“When you’re under constant pressure, your brain connections weaken,” Dr. Fischer said. “It becomes harder to focus, process emotions, and retain information. Over time, this leads to mental exhaustion, forgetfulness, and a less sharp demeanor – all of which add to the impression of someone who’s aging rapidly.”
While Musk showed no signs of physical weakness during the three-hour conversation with Rogan, his famously long pauses appeared more labored than in previous interviews.
“He Wasn’t Ready for the Stress of Global Politics”
Dr. Fischer suggested that Musk’s grueling workload and growing involvement in international politics have likely amplified his stress. “I don’t think he was ready for the overwhelming stress of being at the center of global politics over the past few years,” he said. “Even local politics is stressful, but the divisiveness on the national and international level is completely different.
“People who used to love him are now deeply upset with him. That’s very draining, and he’s still running multiple companies at the same time,” he added.
Musk’s Political Transformation and New Role in Government
Once celebrated by progressives as a pioneer of green technology, Musk previously described himself as a Democrat and voted for Joe Biden in 2020. But his political alignment shifted sharply following his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, which he later rebranded as X.
By mid-2024, Musk’s social media output had taken a distinct conservative turn, and by early 2025 he had become a key figure within the Republican administration.