Giving 'Stress' a Bad Name?

Some of my earliest academic research was on so-called 'social stress' in animals. It soon became apparent that one can have too much or too little 'stress'. Too little 'stress could be termed 'deprivation' and means that the organism becomes unable to later show appropriate coping strategies. This truism has recently been emphasised in relation to human aging (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/01/why-everyday-stress-could-be-the-key-to-a-healthy-old-age). There's now good evidence that low level stress, from moderate exercise or work, can enhance our cognitive and physical abilities in later life. This is, perhaps, one reason why some people die, shortly after retirement. It certainly seems a good idea to maintain a moderate physical exercise regime, as well as keeping the mind active.