If you have noticed a sudden accumulation of wrinkles, aches and pains or a general sensation of having grown older almost overnight, there may be a scientific explanation. Research suggests that rather than being a slow and steady process, aging occurs in at least two accelerated bursts.
The study, which tracked thousands of different molecules in people aged 25 to 75, detected two major waves of age-related changes at around ages 44 and again at 60. The findings could explain why spikes in certain health issues including musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease occur at certain ages.
“We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some really dramatic changes,” said Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study.
“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.”
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Interestingly enough, a random couple things happened when I was between 43-44 that lead to me start distance running and run my first full marathon about 4 months before I turned 44.
I was decently fit before, but didn’t run any distance above a maybe 5 miles. I do not remember anything negative happening around that time or shortly after. I was actually increasing my cardio endurance dramatically over the next 5 years or so.
Good on you, I’ve read elsewhere that the better shape you can be in prior to years of decline, the better you handle the natural aging process. I don’t need to do anymore marathons, they’re too hard on my knees, but running/biking and body-weight exercises are part of my attempt to stave off the inevitable.
Oh ya… Marathons have come and gone for me :) Initially because they were just expensive but COVID had me WFH full time and the group I ran with was near my work office. So I sort of morphed into running alone and just as maintenance vs. Training for something.
I’m about to hit 53 and try to run between 15-20/miles a week still but I did fall behind on my fitness the end of last year when I had some crazy back spasms after sneezing (of all things) that really set me back. Takes forever to get back. Luckily I do not have any physical issues (knees etc) most if my issues now are not eating healthy enough and general motivation to improve. Sounds like I’ve got about 7 years to get on top of it so I can cruise through that age too :)
This is the true humiliation of getting older. In my 20s I climbed mountains and had plenty of scrapes and mishaps, but I just shook them off and my body just healed up quickly. Now I can tweak my back with a sneeze or be sore for days just by raking leaves. Life comes at you fast.
I literally could not get off the floor for around 2h and was panicking quite a bit. Never ever felt so vulnerable before. Do not recommend whatever happened to me :). Good thing is it was just muscle and once healed I was back to 100% It just prevented me from running for over a month.
This article is reminding me of a study a few years back that suggested that (provided you’re otherwise healthy and able bodied) you can get into any level or shape you want (if you put in the work of course) up until 60-something. Then you hit an age wall where about the best you can do is maintain what you’ve got. Suggesting that countering that 40-something aging event by pre-gaming for the 60-something aging is a smart plan.
Shor, ive been saying “I need to get into shape” for over a half century, but now i have only a couple years to actually do it? Now that I can’t sleep, ache everywhere, and have bad knees?
I’m not impressed by how my meat mech is deteriorating with time given how much constant maintenance it requires.
I mean, it’s just like a car though. When you first get one, you can rev it as much as you like, fly over speed bumps and potholes, miss an oil change, and no big deal. However that abuse all comes due at once, when suddenly so many parts are obviously degraded. At that point you may decide to replace your car …. I’m ready to replace my meat mech
So, I need to get motivated for the next 7 years :)
I got like five and a half, but am actively in the process of getting back in shape