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44 and 60: key ages of ageing according to new research
Stanford University: ageing is not linear, but in a burst, with two peaks at 44 and 60
For centuries, we have imagined ageing as a slow decline, an inexorable passage of time that gradually leads us towards old age. But a recent scientific discovery is revolutionizing this concept, offering us a new perspective on our life path.
The biological clock in a scattering
Scientists from Stanford University have revealed a surprising secret hidden in our bodies: aging does not proceed in a linear way, but occurs in bursts, with two particularly significant acceleration peaks around the age of 44 and 60.
Imagine watching a time-lapse of your life. Instead of an image gradually fading, you would see two moments when the image changes abruptly, becoming more blurred and showing signs of age more clearly. These are the moments when our body undergoes profound transformations at the molecular level.
An explosion of change
But what exactly happens during these peaks in aging? Researchers have analysed thousands of molecules in the blood, faeces and tissues of hundreds of people and found that a real explosion of change occurs during these periods. Thousands of molecules involved in vital functions such as metabolism, immunity and tissue repair undergo profound changes.
These molecular changes are then reflected at the physiological level, manifesting themselves with the onset or acceleration of various pathologies typical of ageing, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and joint problems.
Why 44 and 60?
The question that arises is: why do these peaks in age occur at these very ages? Researchers do not have a definitive answer yet, but some hypotheses have been put forward.
- Hormonal factors: Menopause in women may contribute to the 44-year peak, but changes seen in men suggest that other factors are at play
- Lifestyle: Stress, diet, physical activity and exposure to toxic substances may affect the rate at which we age
- Genetic factors: Our genetic predisposition may make some individuals more susceptible to these peaks of aging
A healthier future
This research opens new frontiers in biomedical research and offers us a new perspective on life, showing that ageing is not an inevitable fate but a process we can influence through our choices. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining regular physical activity, following a balanced diet and managing stress, we can slow down our biological clock and live a longer, healthier life.