When we age rapidly: Scientists name exact years
At what age do we really age (photo: Magnific)
It is commonly believed that the aging process is smooth and gradual. However, a large-scale study has shown that our biological clock works differently.
Stanford Medicine explains at what ages a person truly ages.
What you need to know about aging
Chronological age does not always reflect the real condition of the body. Researchers from Stanford University, together with colleagues from Singapore, tracked molecular changes in volunteers over several years.
The human body experiences two sharp spikes of aging-related changes, occurring at ages 44 and 60.
Analysis of RNA, proteins, and the microbiome has shown that aging is not linear. There are specific life stages when disease risk and visible changes appear most intensely.
For a long time, it was believed that in women these processes were linked exclusively to menopause, but new data confirmed identical age-related crises in men as well.
What happens at 44
Approaching the age of 45, a person experiences the first major molecular restructuring. At this age, metabolism begins to slow significantly, making weight gain much easier.
At the same time, muscle mass decreases, and collagen production drops sharply, causing the skin to lose elasticity and noticeable wrinkles to appear. Scientists also recorded an interesting fact: during this period, the body’s ability to process caffeine significantly decreases, and tissues and blood vessels retain their structure less effectively.
Second crisis: the 60-year threshold
The next wave of sharp changes hits the body at around 60 and brings more serious challenges. Neurological functions and cognitive processes slow significantly. The body almost loses its ability to efficiently metabolize alcohol.
Due to a significant drop in estrogen and testosterone levels, people lose physical strength, and recovery after injuries takes much longer. It is during this period that statistics show a sharp increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and kidney problems.
How to trick the biological clock
Modern medicine allows for precise measurement of the biological age of cells and the rate of aging using special blood tests such as the DunedinPACE program.
This makes it possible to see the real wear and tear of internal organs. However, scientists emphasize that one should prepare for these critical age thresholds in advance through simple lifestyle habits.
Approaching the first milestone at 44, it is advisable to significantly increase physical activity and reduce alcohol consumption. And for those approaching 60, researchers strongly recommend drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and drinking more clean water to support kidney function.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
