Discovery: we do not age progressively over time, but suddenly at these two specific ages

Researchers at Stanford University have recently highlighted the nonlinear nature of biological aging.

Contrary to the widespread belief that our bodies age progressively and uniformly, this study reveals that aging is characterized by two periods of intense molecular changes, occurring on average around 44 and 60 years old. These findings open new avenues for understanding how these phases influence health and the risk of age-related diseases.


The Stanford team, led by Michael Snyder, tracked a group of 108 individuals aged 25 to 75 over several years.

By analyzing thousands of molecules and the microbiomes of these participants, the researchers discovered that most changes do not occur gradually but are concentrated at specific times. Notably, 81% of the studied molecules showed significant fluctuations around the ages of 44 and 60. These variations affect molecules related to metabolism, the immune system, and cardiovascular diseases.

The first significant changes, around age 44, notably involve lipid metabolism and alcohol metabolism, and are associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. This finding is surprising because it suggests these changes occur in both men and women, and are not exclusively linked to menopause as might have been imagined. In contrast, the changes observed around age 60 are mainly related to immune function, carbohydrate metabolism, and declining kidney functions, which may explain the increased risk of serious diseases at this age.

These results suggest that our biological aging is influenced by factors other than just the passage of time. Researchers do not rule out that lifestyle-related factors, such as alcohol consumption or stress, may also play a role in these transformations. This underscores the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, particularly around the ages of 40 and 60, to mitigate the effects of aging.

The Stanford study could pave the way for new strategies in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases by focusing on these critical periods of life. However, there is still a need to better understand the precise causes of these changes to anticipate and manage them effectively.