- Accelerated aging? Two key points
- The surprising discoveries of ages 40+
- What is the disease risk?
- How to interpret the study
- Takeaways of this aging study
- References
Aging in Phases: How Biological Age Increases in Leaps During Certain Life Stages
Aging is a complex biological process that affects us all. From the first wrinkles to grey hair, our bodies undergo numerous changes over the course of life.
However, aging is much more than just an external transformation. It is a profound process that takes place at the cellular and molecular level, significantly impacting our well-being and vulnerability to diseases. Scientists are constantly researching the mechanisms of aging to understand how we can live longer, healthier lives. Researchers from Stanford have now made an exciting discovery in a cohort study recently published in the journal Nature Aging. They found that our biological age increases in leaps during certain life stages.
In this study, they analysed thousands of molecules from participants aged 25 to 75. Alongside RNA, proteins, and metabolites, they also examined the participants' microbiomes – the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live on and in our bodies. The results were surprising: changes in biological age do not occur continuously or gradually, as one might expect, but rather in sudden jumps. Two periods stood out with significant increases in these changes: around the age of 44 and 60. These findings could provide crucial insights into when and how our bodies undergo major shifts and how we might adapt our health management accordingly.
Accelerated aging? Two key points
The study showed that only 6.6% of the molecular markers displayed age-related linear (continuous) changes, while 81% showed non-linear patterns. These non-linear patterns were most prominent in two distinct age phases: in the mid-40s and early 60s. During these periods, the molecular profiles displayed different patterns, indicating major biological shifts.
The surprising discoveries of ages 40+
Significant changes in the early 60s were expected. However, the clustering of changes in the mid-40s was surprising. Initially, the researchers assumed that menopause among the female participants was responsible for the spike in the data. However, a gender-specific analysis revealed that these changes also occurred in men of the same age. Xiaotao Shen, the study’s lead author, explains: "This suggests that while menopause may contribute to the changes, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these shifts in both men and women. Identifying and studying these factors should be a priority for future research."
What is the disease risk?
The leap in the mid-40s was associated with changes in molecules linked to the metabolism of lipids, caffeine, and alcohol, as well as with cardiovascular diseases and dysfunctions of the skin and muscles. The leap in the early 60s was connected to carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism, cardiovascular diseases, skin and muscle disorders, immune regulation, and kidney function.
How do to interpret the study
The researchers emphasise that their study primarily reflects differences between individuals, and additional confounding factors cannot be ruled out. For example, lifestyle differences such as exercise, alcohol, and caffeine consumption could have influenced the results. The authors also highlight that the sample size of only 108 people is a limiting factor. Therefore, the researchers intend to further investigate the exact causes of these age-related leaps in future studies. Regardless of the findings of these future studies, they stress: "It is essential to adjust our lifestyle while we are still healthy."
Takeaways of this aging study
Our biological age appears to increase in leaps throughout life, accompanied by significant molecular changes and an increased risk of disease. These insights offer new approaches for preventive medicine and underscore the importance of a healthy lifestyle in positively influencing the aging process.
References
Shen, X., Wang, C., Zhou, X. et al. Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nat Aging (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00692-2