Aging is not just a smooth, gradual, and continuous process. According to new data, it occurs in leaps and bounds: in two specific periods of life, when the body undergoes the most noticeable changes.
When do we actually start to age?
It is often said that we begin to age from the moment we are born. Indeed, aging is perceived as an inevitable, constant and linear biological process. However, a new study proves that everything is much more complicated. Instead of a smooth movement through time, aging has two sharp “waves” – moments when changes occur quickly and noticeably. These are like two powerful impulses that significantly affect the state of the organism.
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Study: Two Age Peaks of Aging
The study, published in the journal Nature Aging and conducted by scientists from the Stanford School of Medicine in California, emphasizes that it is important to view aging not only as a gradual process, but also to pay attention to sudden molecular changes in the body.
The participants were people aged 25 to 75, who were followed for between one and almost seven years. As a result, it was possible to record markers of nonlinear aging – periods when significant failures and restructuring occur in the body. The main conclusion: there are two key age stages when aging accelerates sharply – at approximately 44 years and 60 years.
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44 years: the first wave of change
The mid-forties were the first noticeable peak in age-related changes. Initially, scientists assumed that this was related to menopause in women, but further analysis showed that similar processes occur in men as well.
During this period, the changes primarily concern:
- cardiovascular system;
- metabolism of caffeine, alcohol and fats;
- skin condition;
- muscle mass.
60 years: the second wave of aging
The second sharp jump occurs around the age of 60. At this time, the following changes the most:
- the body's immune response;
- kidney function;
- carbohydrate metabolism.
The cardiovascular system, skin, and muscles also continue to age — even more intensely than before.
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Is it possible to influence this process?
Despite clear age guidelines, researchers emphasize that these are averages. Lifestyle and daily habits significantly affect how aging occurs.
How to age “right”
The purpose of the study is not to scare, but to suggest when it is worth being especially attentive to yourself. Considering that after 40 we begin to rapidly lose muscle mass, it is worth increasing physical activity and, in particular, adding strength training.
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Nutrition is no less important. Reducing alcohol, fat, and caffeine intake will help the body get through the first critical stage in your 40s more easily. After 60, you should pay more attention to carbohydrates and the overall balance of your diet. These steps won't stop your biological clock, but they can help you live your life to the fullest.
Based on material from: Vogue.it