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A new study from Stanford University has revealed that aging is not a slow process that progresses at an equal rate every year; rather, it occurs with two major waves of biological changes at the ages of 44 and 60.
“Elchi” reports that scientists studying the aging process at the molecular level have discovered that the human body essentially “shifts gears” at certain times. A study of thousands of biological samples (RNA, proteins, and microbiomes) taken from 108 volunteers between the ages of 25 and 75 showed that signs of aging peak at these two critical ages.
According to the study, 81% of the molecules studied show radical changes in at least one of these two age periods. The content of the changes varies depending on age:
In the 44-year-old wave, significant changes are observed, especially in molecules related to alcohol, caffeine, and fat (lipid) metabolism. In addition, cardiovascular diseases and the deterioration of muscle and skin structure accelerate at this age.
In the 60-year-old wave, the regulation of the immune system, kidney functions, and carbohydrate metabolism come to the fore. Cardiovascular diseases and skin-muscle changes also continue to affect at this stage.
One of the most surprising findings of the study is that the change that occurs at age 44 is not unique to women. Although scientists initially associated this jump with the process of menopause in women, it was discovered that the same molecular change occurs in men at the same age. This proves that the change is based on deeper biological factors rather than hormonal processes.
Why is it important?
Stanford University genetics expert Michael Snyder emphasizes the importance of the findings, saying, “We don’t change gradually over time; we really have dramatic turning points.” Thanks to this discovery, it will be possible to better understand why age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease suddenly increase after certain ages. Experts say that paying more attention to lifestyle (nutrition, sports, etc.) is especially important as a person approaches their 40s and 60s.
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