As a study reveals the two ‘ageing zones’ when we start to look dramatically older overnight, longevity experts share simple changes you can make to REVERSE the process
Most people think of aging as a slow, gradual process that begins steadily once you reach your 30s and accelerates through middle age.
But a groundbreaking new study from 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 discovered; instead, it happens in two sharp bursts when a person reaches ages 44 and 60.
The study by Professor Michael Snyder, Ph.D, followed more than 100 people between the ages of 25 and 75 for a maximum of seven years.
It was found that 81 percent of our cells age dramatically during these two stages, leading to wrinkles, weight gain, less tolerance for alcohol and susceptibility to disease.
The first wave of aging, at age 44, brings a significant decline in skin, muscle and cardiovascular health, as well as an increased difficulty in metabolizing fats, alcohol and caffeine.
This initial weakening of molecular function in women was thought to be due to the effects of perimenopause, but results were found to be similar in men.
The second wave, at age 60, is accompanied by a marked decline in immunity and kidney function, which may explain why older people are more susceptible to diseases such as Covid.
A study from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that aging is not a gradual process, but occurs in two sudden bursts when a person reaches ages 44 and 60. (Hollywood actor Brad Pitt showed visible signs of aging between the ages of 43, left and right). 46, right)
The first wave of aging brings with it a significant decline in skin, muscle and cardiovascular health, as well as an increased difficulty in metabolizing fats, alcohol and caffeine. (Meryl Streep matured noticeably between the ages of 39, left, and 47, right, a period that included the ’44 jump’)
Professor Snyder told FEMAIL that while it was interesting that the decline begins around middle age, he believes lifestyle factors are mainly to blame.
“I think the changes we see in the 1940s probably stem from people adopting more sedentary lifestyles (i.e. less exercise) and poor diets,” he said.
Dr. Brisbane-based longevity expert Sheena Burnell told FEMAIL she was “electrified” by the study’s findings, which confirm what she is already seeing in her practice.
‘A friend said to me: ‘Don’t turn 60, this is the moment when everything goes wrong.’ She was right!’ said Doctor Burnell.
‘Many patients tell me that from the age of sixty it becomes a lot more difficult to stay healthy and fit. Many of them say they can no longer drink alcohol.”
Dr. Burnell noted that 60 is the age at which most Australians retire, which entails significant lifestyle changes.
The earlier decline at around age 44 is also consistent with what she sees in patients who begin to see a natural decline in the hormones progesterone and testosterone.
She praised the Stanford study, which measured 250 million data points, for the extraordinary amount of “granular” detail about what happens at the molecular level during aging.
Professor Michael Snyder’s groundbreaking Stanford research on aging indicates that there is a sharp decline in certain molecules at ages 44 and 60, and that aging is “non-linear.”
Liam Neeson looked remarkably youthful at 60 when he attended the French premiere of Taken 2 in September 2012 (left). He looked noticeably older at 63 with deeper wrinkles and looser skin around his neck as he arrived for an awards ceremony in Dublin in April 2016 (right)
At age 60, kidney function, immune processes and carbohydrate metabolism decline, while the molecular function of skin and muscle 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 noticeably aged, with deeper lines and looser skin around her neck, right)
But it is not just our fate to fall apart in our 40s and 60s. Fortunately, there are simple things that can be done to help slow our decline into old age.
Professor Snyder told FEMAIL that rather than being alarmed by the findings, people should actually use the data to live healthier and longer lives.
“I think many of these factors are controllable, if not reversible,” the celebrated geneticist said.
‘Strength exercises will help with the change in muscle mass that 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. Queensland longevity expert Sheena Burnell said Professor Snyder’s findings support what she sees in practice, but there is still plenty that can be done to reverse the decline.
Dr. Burnell agrees, saying, “My view is that changes are optional; they do not have to be embedded in our genetic process of aging.
‘You can adjust the ‘unstoppable’ process by using your knowledge as much as possible to minimize the impact.
“I’m a big fan of a plant-based Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, at least some aerobic exercise, and paying attention to sleep.”
It’s important to avoid stressing about making these healthier choices, she said, and instead try to enjoy them as much as possible.
For people who don’t really like exercise, try to think of it as a social activity with friends. There is even 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 speed up the aging process.
“Also, avoid isolation and make sure you have a sense of purpose,” Dr. Burnell said.
The older residents of the famous ‘blue zones’ – regions where people are known to live exceptionally long and healthy lives – are known for their strong ties to their communities, which, according to Dr. Burnell is the key to their longevity..
‘They have values and a strong sense of self-worth, they are still contributing and have not just been pushed into a corner.’
Dr. Burnell strongly believes that age is still very much a state of mind, citing research by American aging guru Professor David Sinclair of Harvard.
“The way you think about how old you are will be very accurately reflected in your health,” she said.
‘People who consider themselves young will live roughly fifteen years longer than people who don’t.’