Even though we think of time passing in a predictable way, ageing doesn’t work like that. There are many factors that can change our biological age and it now appears that there are two time points where ageing accelerates.
Scientists at Stanford University found that our microbes and molecules don’t age in a gradual manner, but accelerate ageing around 44 and 60.
Researcher Michael Snyder, PhD, professor of genetics and the study’s senior author says,
We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.
These changes have an impact on our health, especially our cardiovascular health and at age 60, our immune system.
What happens at these age points?
Around the age 44 we experience a significant decline in cardiovascular health, our ability to metabolize fats, alcohol and caffeine, and ageing in our muscle and skin.
In our early 60s the changes are associated with carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, cardiovascular disease, as well as more skin and muscle changes.
Researchers suggest that some of these changes are lifestyle related, citing an increase in alcohol intake in mid-life may be contributing to the alcohol metabolism changes in our mid-40s.
They also state that some of the changes that may have been associated with menopause may actually be due to ageing because both men and women experience these changes.
What can you do?
The researchers plan to look at important lifestyle modifications as we age to prevent the consequences of these biological factors. These include increasing aerobic and resistance training exercise to protect our heart, maintaining muscle mass throughout our lives, while decreasing alcohol consumption in our 40s.
I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy.
Michael Snyder, PhD, professor of genetics and study author.
Lifestyle makes a difference.
If you are in, or approaching your mid-forties, here are three things to focus on now:
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake.
- Exercise, both aerobic and resistance training exercise.
- Establish a healthy sleep routine.
If you are in your 60s or older, focus on at least these three things:
- Keep your brain active. The best activities include volunteering, learning a language or a musical instrument, birding (I am officially a birder now 😉) and learning a new skill.
- Add mobility and flexibility to your routine ( I am officially not doing this now.)
- Incorporate power moves into your exercise routine.
It is never too late to change
The good news is that research and personal experience has shown that making healthy changes at any age does add up. I work with adults into their 90s and have witnessed the benefits of starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating exercise, improving dietary habits and establishing good sleep habits. Ageing happens. Don’t use it as an excuse to stop, make it a reason to keep practicing those good habits.
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
Eat better, live better and feel better.
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