Although it is generally accepted that stress is associated with poorer health and cognitive functioning, previous work has focused on what happens after stressors occur (Almeida, 2005; Bellingtier & Neupert, 2016; Hyun, Sliwinski, Almeida, Smyth, & Scott, 2018; Neupert, Almeida, & Charles, 2007; Neupert, Almeida, Mroczek, & Spiro, 2006; Schilling & Diehl, 2014; Scott, Ram, Smyth, Almeida, & Sliwinski, 2017; Sliwinski, Smyth, & Hofer, & Stawski, 2006). In this special section, we present a novel conceptual framework and initial empirical work that integrates the temporal space of anticipation before stressors occur. Understanding processes that may prevent exposure to or reduce the effects of stressors can have tremendous benefits for longevity and successful aging. In this overview, we describe our conceptual framework and relevant aging theories that form the foundation for our predictions across studies. We also briefly introduce the data sets and study designs and propose preliminary implications.