Provided are compositions and methods for aiding in healing of a tissue wound in an individual. The method generally entail delivering to an individual in need thereof senescent cells such that healing of the wound is accelerated. The disclosure includes use of senescent cells and senescent tumor cells, either of which may be allogeneic or autologous to the individual. Also provided are methods for inducing senescence in cells and using the cells for wound healing, and articles of manufacture comprising senescent cells for use in wound healing.