New research: scientists have found out the age when people start to age dramatically

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Scientists at Stanford University in the USA found out that the aging process is not gradual. At least two dynamic bursts of strong age-related changes in the human body occur at the age of 44 and 60.

This is evidenced by a study published in the journal Nature.

The study involved more than 100 healthy people of various ethnic origins aged 25 to 75 years. They took oral, nasal and skin swabs, as well as blood and stool samples. The participants were observed for about two years.

Obviously, you change throughout your life. But there are two main periods when a lot of change happens: one – when people are about 45 years old, and another – when they are about 60, – said Michael Snyder, a geneticist from Stanford University.

Scientists analyzed about more than 135 thousand different molecules and microbes that are related to the cardiovascular and immune systems, metabolism, skin and muscles . The analysis showed that 81% of the molecules changed quantitatively in those people who were over 40 and over 60.

The scientists found changes that were the same for both groups. They were associated with cardiovascular disease, caffeine metabolism, skin and muscle conditions.

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The spike in aging in the middle of the fourth decade of life was unexpected for the researchers. It would be most logical to assume that such results are caused by changes in a woman's body that occur before menopause. However, the surge of aging at the age of a little over 40 years occurred, surprisingly, in men as well.

This suggests that while menopause or perimenopause may cause the age-related changes seen in women around age 40, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women, – said Dr. Xiaotao Shen, a former doctoral student at Stanford Medical School and first author of the study.

The first wave of molecular changes was associated with the onset of cardiovascular disease and the body's ability to absorb caffeine, alcohol, and fats. The second wave of changes affects molecules involved in immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and kidney function. Molecules associated with skin and muscle aging experienced changes in both periods. According to the authors, the results may help determine what and when exactly can be done to mitigate the effects of drastic age changes. For example, you can increase physical activity during periods of the fastest muscle loss and rapid skin aging. And after 40, it is useful to reduce the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and fatty foods.