New Study Reveals the 2 Points During Aging Process Where Most Changes Occur: Find Out When

As we get older, it’s no secret that our body goes through countless changes. From little aches and pains that weren’t there before, to mobility becoming more limited, the unfortunate truth is that our bodies don’t stay in the same condition they were in during our teens and early twenties (as much as we might wish that were the case).  

While there are explanations behind why these changes occur, a recent study in Nature Aging provided a new justification for our altering bodies. According to Stanford University researchers, there are two points in our lives in which our bodies experience significant change, contributing to the differences we might notice in the aging process.  

At around 44 years old and 60 years old, their research showed that the molecules and microorganisms in our bodies experience dramatic changes that affect things like cardiovascular health, metabolism and immune health.  

The details on the Stanford University aging study 

The impressive peer-reviewed study was conducted over a period of seven years, with a median time span of just under two years. There were a total of 108 participants who took part, all of whom fell between the ages of 25 years old and 75 years old.  

 Samples from each participant were taken every three to six months from their mouth, skin and nose, in addition to blood samples and stool samples. All who took part came from diverse ethnic backgrounds and were in healthy condition.  

Altogether, 5,405 samples were taken to analyze 135,239 microbes and molecules. With these samples, researchers were able to conclude that in a person’s mid-40s and 60s, the most  significant changes took place.   

What were the results of the Stanford University aging study? 

Of the participants who fell among the mid-40s age demographic, the most significant changes observed were the way they metabolized alcohol and lipids (fats). On the other hand, for those who fell closer to the 60s age demographic, the most significant changes applied to how they metabolized carbs, as well as their immune and kidney function. These changes could alter the way our bodies react to certain things we consume like caffeine or alcohol, and with that in mind, that morning cup of coffee could hit a little harder. 

What does the Stanford University aging study mean for you and how to slow down the aging process?

While there’s no stopping the aging process, the results of this study may encourage those approaching their 40s, 60s or simply anyone mindful of their health as they age to exercise regularly and to be mindful of diet and consumption of certain foods and beverages like alcohol.  

The Stanford study comes just days after a study was published in the JAMA Network Open Journal, detailing the 12-year-long work of researchers and their deep dive into the impacts of alcohol. Their work concluded the drinking, even in light quantities as opposed to heavy amounts, negatively impacts the body and can result in heart disease and other health issues.

“We did not find evidence of a beneficial association between low drinking and [overall] mortality,” lead study author Rosario Ortolá, MD, PhD told The New York Times of their work. The one caveat? Of fall alcohol options, wine helps moderate the risks of health issues connected to drinking, particularly cancer.

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