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 45 and age 60. The research may help explain why aches, pains and other symptoms of aging can feel like they appear overnight.

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.

Age 45

In the mid-40s, the greatest age-related changes were seen in:

• Metabolism
• Cardiovascular disease
• Skin and muscle composition

Age 60

Around age 60, the body changed the most in:

• Immune system function
• Kidney function

“All mammals accumulate roughly the same number of DNA mutations over their lifespan. 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 cell damage may drive aging and place a limitation on a person’s lifespan.” – Jonathan Shoag, MD, University Hospitals urologist & aging researcher

Research is underway to understand and track these changes. One day, it could help doctors personalize treatments, identify health problems earlier and even find new ways to slow the aging process.