A new study from Stanford University has revealed a surprising finding that the aging process is much more complex than we previously imagined.
Instead of aging uniformly across all body parts, this process occurs in different organs at different times, and may even begin long before we are aware of it.
According to a research report published on November 25 in The Washington Post, this aging process is highly individualized, occurring at a specific molecular level within each person’s body.
Aging is not just a common biological factor but may be a process that unfolds uniquely in each person. (Illustrative image).
Notably, scientists suggest that part of the aging process may be within human control. By understanding our bodies better, we can proactively adjust the aging process through lifestyle changes.
Using molecular biology, genetics, and big data, researchers at Stanford University analyzed blood samples from study participants and discovered that the aging process can occur unevenly in different parts of the body.
Some individuals may have hearts that age faster than the rest of their bodies, while others may show early signs of aging in the brain. Conversely, there are those whose brains remain younger compared to other organs in their bodies.
One of the most significant findings regarding organ aging in the body shows that individuals with “aging” hearts are at a higher risk of heart failure, while those with “younger” brains are less likely to develop dementia later in life, with a risk reduction of 80% compared to those with normally aging brains.
The results of this study shed light on the complexity of the aging process, indicating that aging is not merely a common biological factor but may be a process that occurs uniquely in each person.
Researcher Hamilton Se-Hwee Oh, who led the study, stated that these findings represent one of the first significant steps and have the potential to greatly contribute to the scientific exploration of human aging.
