Most people think of aging as a slow, gradual process that begins steadily once one reaches one’s thirties and accelerates in middle age.
But a groundbreaking new study by Stanford University School of Medicine has found that the way we age is, in fact, “nonlinear.”
Researchers discovered that we don’t age “one day at a time”; Instead, it occurs in two sharp bursts when a person reaches ages 44 and 60.
The study by Professor Michael Snyder, Ph.D, tracked more than 100 people between 25 and 75 years old for up to seven years.
He found that 81 percent of our cells age dramatically in these two stages, leading to wrinkles, weight gain, lower alcohol tolerance, and susceptibility to disease.
The first wave of aging, at age 44, brings with it a significant deterioration in skin, muscle and cardiovascular health, as well as greater difficulty metabolizing fats, alcohol and caffeine.
This initial weakening of molecular function in women was thought to be due to the effects of perimenopause, but the results were found to be similar in men.
The second wave, at age 60, comes with a marked drop in immunity and kidney function, which may explain why older people are more prone to diseases like Covid.
A study from Stanford University School of Medicine has found that aging is not a gradual process, but rather occurs in two sudden bursts when a person reaches ages 44 and 60. (Hollywood actor Brad Pitt showed visible signs of aging between the ages of 43, left, and 46, right)
The first wave of aging brings with it a significant deterioration in skin, muscle and cardiovascular health, as well as greater difficulty metabolizing fats, alcohol and caffeine. (Meryl Streep matured notably between the ages of 39, left, and 47, right, a period spanning ‘leap 44’)
Professor Snyder told FEMAIL that while it is interesting that the decline begins around middle age, he believes lifestyle factors are the main culprit.
“I think the changes we see in the 1940s are probably due to people adopting a more sedentary lifestyle (i.e. less exercise) and poor nutrition,” he said.
Brisbane longevity expert Dr Sheena Burnell told FEMAIL she was “electrified” by the study’s findings, which confirm what she already sees in her practice.
‘A friend told me: ‘Don’t turn 60, this is when everything goes wrong.’ I was right!’ Dr. Burnell said.
‘Many patients tell me this: once you turn 60, it becomes much more difficult to stay healthy and fit. Many of them say they can’t drink alcohol anymore.”
Dr Burnell noted that age 60 is the age at which most Australians retire, which involves major lifestyle changes.
The earlier decline, around age 44, is also consistent with what you see in patients who begin to see a natural decline in the hormones progesterone and testosterone.
He praised the Stanford study, which measured 250 million data points, for its extraordinary volume of “granular” detail about what happens at the molecular level during aging.
Professor Michael Snyder’s groundbreaking Stanford study on aging indicated that there is a sharp decline in certain molecules between the ages of 44 and 60, and that aging is “nonlinear.”
Liam Neeson looked remarkably young at 60 when he attended the French premiere of Taken 2 in September 2012 (left). She looked noticeably older at 63, with deeper wrinkles and looser skin around her neck when she arrived at an awards ceremony in Dublin in April 2016 (right).
At age 60, kidney function, immune processes, and carbohydrate metabolism decline, while the molecular function of the skin and muscles continues to decline. (Susan Sarandon looked young for 58 at a New York premiere in June 2005, left. By September 2008, at age 61, the actress had aged noticeably, with deeper lines and looser skin around her neck, right)
But it is not simply our destiny to fall apart at forty or sixty. Fortunately, there are simple things that can be done to help slow our decline into old age.
Professor Snyder told FEMAIL that rather than being alarmed by the findings, people should use the data to live healthier and longer lives.
“I think many of these factors are manageable, if not reversible,” said the famous geneticist.
‘Strength exercise will help with the change in muscle mass that people see in their forties. Statins and diet can help control lipids and fats.
“People who exercise and lose weight can improve their metabolic profiles.”
Queensland longevity expert Dr Sheena Burnell said Professor Snyder’s findings support what she sees in practice, but much can still be done to combat decline.
Dr Burnell agrees, stating: ‘My view is that the changes are optional; They do not need to be integrated into our genetic aging process.
‘You can modify the ‘unstoppable’ process using your knowledge as much as possible to minimize the impact.
“I’m a big proponent of a plant-based Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, at least some aerobic exercise, and paying attention to sleep.”
It’s important to avoid getting “excited” about making these healthier choices, she said, and instead try to enjoy them as much as possible.
For people who don’t particularly enjoy exercise, try to think of it as a social activity with friends. In fact, there is evidence that maintaining social connections influences keeping a person young.
It also goes without saying: limit your exposure to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and pollution, as they all accelerate the aging process.
“Also avoid isolation and make sure you have a purpose,” Dr. Burnell said.
Elderly residents of the famous “blue zones” – regions where people are known to live exceptionally long and healthy lives – are characterized by their strong ties to their communities, which Dr. Burnell says is the key to their longevity. ..
“They have values and a strong sense of self-worth, they continue to contribute and don’t get left in a corner.”
Dr Burnell firmly believes that age is still largely a state of mind, and references studies by American aging guru, Professor David Sinclair of Harvard.
“The way you think about your age will be very accurately reflected in your health,” he said.
“People who consider themselves young will have approximately 15 years more life than those who do not.”