How Well Will You Age? Your Cells May Hold Clues

Does aging happen gradually or come in waves? A recent study may hold the answer. Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that aging occurs in two distinct bursts – around age 44 and age 60. The research may help explain why aches, pains and other symptoms of aging can feel like they appear overnight.

How the Body Changes at Ages 45 and 60

The researchers examined thousands of molecules associated with aging in people ages 25 to 75. Most of these molecules either decreased or increased dramatically in a person’s mid-40s and again in their early 60s.

The findings offer clues into how the body changes at a molecular level over time. In the mid-40s, the greatest changes were seen in metabolism, cardiovascular disease, skin and muscle composition. Around age 60, immune and kidney function changed the most.

“While this research needs further validation, when we see big changes at specific ages, understanding why it occurs and how we can modify it and promote healthy aging is critical,” says Jonathan Shoag, MD, a urologist who studies age-related diseases, including cancer.

For example, changes in alcohol metabolism in a person’s 40s could be related to drinking more during a time of life that is often considered high stress. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol use or increasing physical activity during these periods of significant age-related changes could be especially helpful.

Exploring Why Some People Age Slower Than Others

Scientists are working to find biomarkers – measurable signs of bodily changes – that can predict how healthy someone will be as they get older, and whether they’re at risk for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease. These biomarkers could offer a better picture of how the body changes over time, and how to slow or even reverse it.

Dr. Shoag and his research colleagues have helped pioneer a technology called ultra high-fidelity sequencing, which for the first time allows researchers to detect and measure changes in a person’s DNA that happen with normal aging. This could help explain why people age at different rates.

“What’s remarkable is that all mammals accumulate roughly the same number of DNA mutations over their lifespan,” says Dr. Shoag. “For instance, mice that live an average of two years, and humans that live 80 years, have the same amount of DNA damage at the end of their lives. This suggests that such damage may drive aging and place a limitation on a person’s lifespan.”

The research underway with Dr. Shoag’s team to understand and track these processes could one day help doctors personalize treatments, identify health problems earlier and even find new ways to slow the aging process.

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