We are not ageing gradually over time; significant changes only occur in our 40s and 60s: Study

A recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers suggests that humans don't age over time but rather our bodies age in bursts, in particular, rapid changes take place in our mid-40s and 60s.

The study is based on the data collected after tracking the different molecules in people aged between 25 and 75. The researchers had sought to understand the reason why after a certain age, humans become more prone to diseases like musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease.

Professor Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study said, “We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some theatrical changes.”

“It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s – and that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at,” he added.

Scientists tracked 108 volunteers, who were asked to submit blood and other samples, including skin, oral, and nasal swabs, every few months for almost seven years.

Researchers found that the molecules and microbes did not change gradually and the most distinguished shift was observed when the participants were in their mid-40s and early 60s.

A former postdoctoral scholar at Stanford Medical School and first author of the study who is now based at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Dr Xiaotao Shen, said, “This suggests that while menopause or perimenopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, other, more significant factors are likely influencing these changes in both men and women”.

According to the study, the first change occurs in the molecules linked to cardiovascular disease and caffeine and alcohol metabolism.

The second wave of ageing hits immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function. The ageing of the skin, however, is seen at both points, according to the study.

It was found that these changes can also take place due to lifestyle or behavioural factors. For example, a change in a person’s alcohol metabolism depends on their consumption of it in their mid-40s.

Mike Snyder, PhD, chair of the Department of Genetics and the study's senior author said, “I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy.”

(With inputs from agencies)