Most people think of ageing as a slow, gradual process that steadily begins once you enter your thirties and gathers pace in middle age.
But a groundbreaking new study by the Stanford University School of Medicine has found that the way we age is, in fact, ‘non-linear’.
We don’t age ‘one day at a time’, the researchers found; instead it happens in two sharp bursts when a person reaches 44 and 60 years of age.
The study by Professor Michael Snyder, Ph.D, tracked more than 100 people between the ages of 25 and 75 for up to seven years.
It found that 81 per cent of our cells age dramatically at these two stages, leading to wrinkles, weight gain, less tolerance for alcohol and susceptibility to disease.
The first wave of ageing, at 44, brings a significant decline in skin, muscular and cardiovascular health, as well as increased difficulty in metabolising fats, alcohol and caffeine.
This initial weakening of molecular function in women was thought to be due to the effects of perimenopause, but the results were found to be similar in males.
The second wave, at 60, comes with a marked drop in immunity and kidney function, which can explain why older people are more prone to illnesses such as Covid.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine has found ageing is not a gradual process but instead happens in two sudden bursts when a person reaches 44 and 60. (Hollywood actor Brad Pitt showed visible signs of ageing between the ages of 43, left, and 46, right)
The first wave of ageing brings a significant decline in skin, muscular and cardiovascular health, as well as increased difficulty in metabolising fats, alcohol and caffeine. (Meryl Streep matured noticeably between the ages of 39, left, and 47, right, a period spanning the ’44 jump’)
Prof Snyder told FEMAIL that while it was interesting the decline begins around middle age, he believes lifestyle factors are primarily to blame.
‘I think the changes we see in the forties likely comes from people adopting a more sedentary lifestyle (i.e. less exercise) and poor nutrition,’ he said.
Dr Sheena Burnell, a longevity expert from Brisbane, told FEMAIL she was ‘electrified’ by the study’s findings, which confirm what she already sees in her practice.
‘A friend told me, ‘Don’t turn 60, this is when everything goes wrong’. She was right!’ Dr Burnell said.
‘A lot of patients say this to me, that once you turn 60 it becomes a lot harder to stay healthy and fit. Many of them say they can’t have alcohol anymore.’
Dr Burnell noted that 60 is the age at which most Australians enter retirement, which brings about significant lifestyle changes.
The earlier decline at about 44 is also consistent with what she sees in patients who begin to see a natural decline in progesterone and testosterone hormones.
She praised the Stanford study, which measured 250 million data points, for its extraordinary volume of ‘granular’ detail about what happens on a molecular level during ageing.
Professor Michael Snyder’s groundbreaking Stanford study on ageing indicated there is a sharp decline in certain molecules at the ages of 44 and 60, and that ageing is ‘non-linear’
Liam Neeson looked remarkably youthful at 60 when he attended the French premiere of Taken 2 in September 2012 (left). He appeared noticeably older at 63 with deeper wrinkles and looser skin around his neck while arriving for an awards show in Dublin in April 2016 (right)
At age 60, kidney function, immune processes and carbohydrate metabolism drop off, while skin and muscle molecular function continues to decline. (Susan Sarandon looked young for 58 at a New York premiere in June 2005, left. By September 2008, at age 61, the actress had aged noticeably, with deeper lines and looser skin around her neck, right)
But it isn’t simply our fate to fall apart in our forties and sixties. Fortunately, there are simple things that can be done to help delay our decline into old age.
Prof Snyder told FEMAIL that rather than being alarmed by the findings, people should actually use the data to live healthier, longer lives.
‘I think many of these factors are manageable, if not reversible,’ the celebrated geneticist said.
‘Strength exercise will help with the muscle mass change people see in their forties. Statins and diet can help with lipid/fat control.
‘People who exercise and lose weight can improve their metabolic profiles.’
Dr Sheena Burnell, a longevity expert from Queensland said the findings of Professor Snyder backed up what she sees in practice, but there is still plenty that can be done to combat the decline
Dr Burnell agrees, saying: ‘My take on it is that changes are optional; they don’t need to be hardwired into our genetic process of ageing.
‘You can modify the ‘unstoppable’ process by using your knowledge as much as possible to minimise the impact.
‘I am a huge fan of a plant-based Mediterranean diet, regular movement, at least some aerobic exercise, and paying attention to sleep.’
It’s important to avoid getting ‘worked up’ about making these healthier choices, she said, and instead try to enjoy them as much as possible.
For individuals who don’t particularly enjoy exercise, try to think of it as a social activity with friends. In fact, there is evidence that maintaining social connections plays a role in keeping a person young.
It also goes without saying: limit your exposure to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and pollution, as these all accelerate the ageing process.
‘Also avoid isolation and make sure you’ve got a sense of purpose,’ Dr Burnell said.
The elderly residents of the famous ‘blue zones‘ – regions where people are known to live exceptionally long and healthy lives – are noted for their strong links to their communities, which Dr Burnell says is the key to their longevity.
‘They have values and a solid sense of self-worth, they are still contributing and not just rolled off into a corner.’
Dr Burnell is a strong believer that age is still very much a state of mind, referencing studies by American ageing guru Professor David Sinclair from Harvard.
‘The way you think about how old you are will be very accurately reflected in your health,’ she said.
‘People who see themselves as young will have roughly 15 years more of life than people who don’t.’
