Research has challenged the common perception that aging is a gradual process, revealing that the human body undergoes two major waves of accelerated change at around ages 44 and 60. This surprise finding could help explain the sudden spikes in health issues, such as musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease, that often occur at these ages.
Research Finds Two Waves of Aging Accelerates at 44 and 60
A study published in the journal Nature Aging tracked the changes in thousands of different molecules in 108 volunteers over several years, finding that the mid-40s and early 60s are periods of significant transformation. “We’re not just changing gradually over time,” said Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist at Stanford University. “There are some really dramatic changes.”
The Mid-40s Spike: Changes in Cardiovascular Disease and Lipid Metabolism.
The Early 60s Spike: Changes in Immune Regulation and Kidney Function
The research discovered two major waves of age-related changes: one in the mid-40s and another in the early 60s. These transformations were found to occur regardless of the class of molecules being studied. While the mid-40s changes were initially attributed to perimenopausal changes in women, the study revealed similar shifts in men during this age range.
These findings suggest that while menopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women,” said Dr. Xiaotao Shen, first author of the study.
The mid-40s wave of changes included molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and lipid metabolism, while the early 60s wave was characterized by changes in immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function. Molecules related to skin and muscle aging also showed changes at both time points.
The two waves of aging could explain why health issues often spike at certain ages, and may help target interventions. “I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy,” Snyder said.
The study’s discovery highlights the importance of regular health check-ups and lifestyle modifications to mitigate the effects of aging. By understanding the patterns of age-related changes, researchers can develop targeted interventions to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases.
The findings are published in the journal Nature Aging.
