Every human will experience death and for those who have a long life, aging is a fact that cannot be avoided. But scientists from the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University published a study that showed the drastic aging process of the human body passes between the ages of 44 and 60 years. This disproves the belief that aging occurs gradually with age.
The study involved 108 participants with the data of 135,000 human body molecules aged between 25-72 years tracked. Blood, skin, stool, nasal swab and nasal swab samples are taken monthly, annually or every 7 years. Through these samples, changes in RNA, proteins, metabolites, and microbes are taken.
Two major changes were detected at the age of 44 and 60 years. It answers the question why certain diseases only begin to be detected or felt at these two ages. Among the common health issues are cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems.
In the first wave of aging at age 44, major changes cause cardiovascular disease and the ability to metabolize caffeine, alcohol and lipids. In the second wave at the age of 60, changes occur in the molecules that control immunity, carbohydrate metabolism and kidney function. At both these ages too, major changes occur in the molecules associated with muscle and skin aging.
So far, aging that occurs at the age of 40 is associated with the menopause process experienced by women. But this study found it also occurs in men. Scientists now believe another major change will occur at age 78 but studies will be conducted because the cohort in the current study did not include this group.
The results of this study will be used to target interventions, such as increasing exercise during periods of faster muscle loss. As a person who is already 45 years old, I admit that last year was the most challenging year from a health point of view. Suddenly, the body becomes less energetic, more easily injured and feels nauseated muscle pain.
The study was published in the journal Nature