A New Study on Molecular Changes in Aging Indicates a Major Turning Point at Age 44.
As we grow older, we age. This is an inevitable law that everyone experiences in their lifetime.
At age 44, one can “age overnight” (Image source: Getty).
Recent research has demonstrated that there are milestones at which we feel significantly older. The most notable of these are at ages 44 and 60.
“We do not just age gradually over time. There are certain stages where this process accelerates“, stated Michael Snyder, a geneticist from Stanford University (USA).
“The period between the mid-40s and early 60s is marked by significant changes in the body.”
To reach this conclusion, Snyder and his research team monitored a group of 108 older adults. They collected biological samples over several months and continued monitoring for several years.
Based on a total of 135,239 biological characteristics, including RNA, proteins, lipids, and classifications of gut, skin, nasal, and oral bacteria, the research team identified clear changes in the levels of various types of molecules in the human body at two distinct stages.
Engaging in sports can slow down the aging process (Image: Getty).
The first stage occurs between ages 44 and 45, during which the body experiences changes in molecules related to lipid metabolism, caffeine, and alcohol. This leads to an increase in conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and dysfunction in the skin and muscles.
The next peak occurs in the early 60s, linked to carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism. The rates of cardiovascular diseases, skin, muscle, immune system disorders, and kidney function all increase.
The researchers emphasized that this characteristic is observed in both women and men. Therefore, they ruled out the influence of menopause or perimenopause in women occurring during this period.
Early detection of these two stages of “rapid aging” could help us prepare necessary measures to improve the aging process.
One recommendation from the research team is to implement intervention measures, such as increasing physical activity during the rapid muscle loss phase, or adjusting nutrition and rest when signs of cardiovascular diseases and excretion issues are noticed.
