Do our bodies age steadily? Scientists think otherwise
What's the story
Aging is not a gradual process, but it happens in bursts. Dr. Steve Hoffmann, a professor of computational biology at the Leibniz Institute on Aging in Germany, supports this idea, stating, "You wake up in the morning and you suddenly feel old." This concept is being explored scientifically by analyzing age-related markers, such as proteins and DNA tags, in the bloodstream.
Research findings
Stanford study supports non-linear aging theory
A Stanford study published last year looked at molecular changes associated with aging in blood samples from 108 adults aged between 25 and 75. The research discovered that people seemed to age more rapidly around the ages of 44 and again at about 60. These findings support the theory of non-linear aging and shed light on how we perceive our own aging process.
Aging phases
Molecular changes linked to aging phases
The Stanford study also found specific molecular changes associated with each aging phase. The first phase was associated with changes in fat and alcohol metabolism, and muscle function. The second phase was primarily associated with immune dysfunction. These findings provide a deeper insight into the biological processes that take place during different stages of aging.
Health impact
Implications of non-linear aging on health
The Stanford study's findings could explain why people may find it harder to process alcohol starting in their 40s, and why they become more prone to illness in their 60s. The research could have significant implications for understanding age-related health issues and might even inform strategies for managing these changes as we age.