Aging: We age the most at 44 and 60

Do you suddenly feel older overnight? There might be a scientific explanation for this.

Researchers at Stanford University in the USA have discovered that aging is not a slow and steady process, but occurs in at least two rapid bursts.

In concrete terms, this means: The human Body changes dramatically between the ages of 44 and 60 – in a physical “midlife crisis”. And this brings with it a sudden deterioration in health.

Molecules indicate age stages

For her work in the specialist magazine “Nature Aging” In the study published in 2007, scientists analyzed 135,000 different molecules (RNA, proteins and metabolites) and Microbes in men and women aged 25 to 75 years in the laboratory. The participants submitted blood and stool samples as well as skin, mouth and nose swabs every few months – over a period of up to seven years.

It turned out that the mid-40s in particular is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. The peak in aging in the mid-40s was unexpected and was initially thought to be a result of hormonal changes in women.

At 60, the kidneys start to fail

However, the data showed that similar changes also occurred in men in their mid-40s – including changes in molecules associated with Cardiovascular diseases and the ability to absorb caffeine, alcohol and metabolize fats.

A second wave of changes in the 1960s included molecules involved in immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and kidney function. skin– and muscle aging, however, occurred equally at both time points.

The results could explain why certain health problems such as musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular diseases are particularly prevalent at a certain age. And according to the authors, this could now help to take targeted measures in a timely manner, such as more exercise during times of faster muscle loss.