People age rapidly, not gradually, in two 'bursts' in middle and old age, according to new research that suggests ageing is 'not a linear process'.
Our biological and chronological clocks may not be perfectly in sync, according to a new study from Stanford University.
The research revealed that, contrary to popular belief, aging may not be 'linear' and that people age rapidly in at least two bouts, one at age 44 and the other at age 60.
In the study published in the journal Nature Aging , the rate of molecular change in 108 people aged 25 to 75 was monitored for an average of 1.7 years.
Although a small sample size, the findings have serious health implications, given that the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, Parkinson's and other conditions increases with age.
"We're not changing slowly over time, there are some really dramatic changes," Michael Snyder, director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study, said in a statement .
Snyder noted that major changes were observed at two points, the mid-40s and early 60s.
The two periods aren't exactly the same, Snyder says. For example, when the participants were in their mid-40s, there were changes in molecules related to cardiovascular disease and lipid and alcohol metabolism, suggesting that people's bodies break down alcohol and fat less efficiently when they reach that age.
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