If you’ve ever felt like your body is suddenly going through big changes in your 40s or 60s, it might not just be in your head.
A recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers shows that our bodies experience significant changes during these decades.
The study, published in Nature Aging, reveals that many molecules and microorganisms in our bodies undergo rapid shifts around age 44 and again around age 60.
The researchers examined a large group of people aged 25 to 75, tracking thousands of different molecules and the microbiomes—the communities of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on our bodies. They discovered that these molecules and microbes don’t just change gradually as we get older. Instead, two major periods of rapid change occur, one in the mid-40s and another in the early 60s.
Dr. Michael Snyder, the senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings: “We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes.” These shifts happen regardless of the type of molecules being studied.
The study also found that these sudden changes likely impact our health. For instance, the number of molecules linked to cardiovascular disease showed significant changes at both time points. Similarly, molecules related to immune function changed notably in people in their early 60s.
One of the key reasons behind the study was the observation that the risk of many age-related diseases doesn’t increase steadily with age. Instead, it jumps significantly at certain points in life. For example, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease rises sharply after 60, rather than increasing gradually in younger people.
The researchers followed 108 people for several years, collecting blood and other biological samples regularly. They tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes, gathering nearly 250 billion distinct data points. They found that 81% of the molecules studied showed non-linear changes, meaning they fluctuated more at specific ages, particularly in the mid-40s and early 60s.
Interestingly, the large changes seen in the mid-40s were initially thought to be related to menopause in women. However, the study found that men also experienced similar changes at this age, suggesting other factors are at play.
The researchers believe that these changes in our 40s and 60s could be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as increased alcohol consumption in our 40s due to stress. However, they also think that biological factors play a significant role.
The key takeaway from this study is that it’s important to pay attention to our health, especially in our 40s and 60s. Making lifestyle adjustments, like exercising more or reducing alcohol intake, could help us stay healthy as we age.
Dr. Snyder advises, “We should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy.”
If you care about wellness, please read studies about nutrients that could combat inflammation in older people, and essential foods for healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and a simple diet change for a healthier life after 65.
