Major changes take place in stages as we age
Scientists have discovered that human aging does not occur
gradually but in two significant bursts, with key changes happening around the ages of 44 and 60. These findings come from a study that tracked over 135,000 molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. The research revealed that aging is characterized by two major waves of molecular changes rather than a continuous process. The first wave occurs around the mid-40s and the second in the early 60s, affecting various biological systems.
In the study, researchers collected blood, stool, and skin samples, along with oral and nasal swabs, from participants every few months. They observed that molecular shifts in areas such as cardiovascular health, metabolism of caffeine, alcohol, and lipids, and even immune regulation tended to cluster around these two specific ages. The mid-40s spike was particularly surprising, as it was initially believed to be related to perimenopausal changes in women. However, data showed that men experienced similar shifts, indicating broader biological factors at play for both genders.
The changes seen at age 44 included molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and metabolism. Meanwhile, the second wave at age 60 involved molecules affecting immune regulation, kidney function, and carbohydrate metabolism. Skin and muscle aging markers were present at both age points, supporting that the risk for certain age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s significantly increases after 60.
This pattern challenges the assumption that aging is a steady decline. Instead, the data suggest that aging may accelerate in specific bursts, aligning with the observation that certain diseases become much more prevalent after these ages. Researchers also suggest that some changes, such as shifts in alcohol metabolism, could be influenced by lifestyle factors, including increased stress in midlife.
These findings could provide new opportunities for targeted health interventions, such as increasing exercise or adjusting lifestyle habits during rapid biological change. According to lead researcher Prof. Michael Snyder, these insights could help people make informed decisions to maintain their health during critical phases of aging. The study, published in Nature Aging, highlights the importance of addressing these accelerated aging periods to mitigate the onset of age-related diseases potentially.