The path traveled and the path ahead for the allostatic framework: A rejoinder on the frameworkʹs importance and the need for further work related to theory, data, and measurement

Ideas related to the newly introduced allostatic framework have caught on in the scientific community, and not without good reason. This short report highlights what we have gained from the framework by discussing the term “allostasis” in comparison to “homeostasis” and “homeostatic mechanisms,” and by outlining key ideas behind the phrase “allostatic load.” In terms of how allostatic theory can be strengthened, this piece delves into the need for the theory to be clearer about what is meant by load that is “cumulative” and the need to incorporate results from research work on hormesis demonstrating the salutary, not damaging, effects of a moderate amount of stress. Lastly, some space in the rejoinder is devoted to how we can better operationalize the allostatic load construct and how new waves of biomarker-containing surveys are poised to collect yet more physiological information and are now more comprehensively measuring, in what is surely a difficult task, stress over the life course.