Aging Accelerates In The 40s And 60s — Here’s How To Slow It Down

It’s time to start prioritizing our health. A new study published in Nature in August revealed that aging speeds up significantly in our 40s and 60s, affecting the body’s molecular functioning.

The unique study looked at the biological changes that happen as people age by analyzing data from 108 participants, aged 25 to 75, over several years. Researchers found that as people got older, there were two main points in life (around age 44 and age 60) where the body’s biological processes changed noticeably. At around 60, changes were seen in the immune system and how the body processes sugars, particularly carbohydrates. Around 40, the changes were more related to heart health, fat metabolism, and how the body handles alcohol and muscle regeneration.

Source: kali9 / Getty – Senior woman and adult daughter sitting on playground.

Here’s a breakdown of the study.

The study found that as people age, certain processes in the body become increasingly disrupted, particularly in the skin, muscles, and blood. Key areas affected include blood coagulation (the process that helps blood clot) and fibrinolysis (the process that helps break down clots). When these processes are not functioning properly, it can lead to issues like blood clots and heart problems like a stroke or heart attack. Furthermore, researchers discovered that aging during these critical periods is often linked to rising levels of phenylalanine in the blood, which can contribute to heart damage over time.

Additionally, there are noticeable declines in how the body processes fats and alcohol as we age, especially around the age of 40. This includes changes in how fats are transported in the blood and a decrease in the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol efficiently. These findings suggest that aging doesn’t happen in a smooth, steady way but in “bursts” or periods of significant change.

While the results sound alarming, health experts say there are ways we can slow down the rapid aging process in our 40s and 60s.

How can we slow down the aging process?

To slow down the aging process, experts recommend several lifestyle changes. First, cutting back on alcohol is important, as our bodies metabolize it less efficiently with age, and it can disrupt sleep, especially by waking us up in the middle of the night, according to Women’s Health. If you’re approaching 40 or your 60s, you must be prioritizing sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours of rest every night so that your body can restore and repair itself.

Establishing a strength training routine helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Consider signing up for a weight lifting class or incorporating light weights into your next exercise routine, but health experts say it’s important to keep your routine simple.

Source: Luis Alvarez / Getty – Fit young woman exercising with dumbbells in cross-training gym.

“It doesn’t have to be five days a week like a bodybuilder in a gym,” Kristen McParland, a NASM-certified personal trainer, told Women’s Health. “There’s tons of research that shows just two days a week of full-body strength training can give you a laundry list of positive side effects to your immune system, your muscle mass, your bone density, your mood, your sleep, and your heart health,” McParland added.

Protecting your skin from sun damage and ensuring protein in every meal can help support skin health and muscle function. Going for regular walks, along with adding flexibility and balance exercises to your routine, can also help to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

Brain health is also key, according to health experts. Keeping your brain engaged with hobbies and activities is essential for preventing cognitive decline. As neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s become more prevalent with age, particularly around the ages of 40 and 65, maintaining these healthy habits can help support brain health and possibly delay the onset of such conditions.

Dr. Peterson advised that people reaching these key age milestones should engage in activities like hobbies, reading, journaling, and crossword puzzles to keep their brains active and healthy. For women, it’s critical to start prioritizing brain health as we enter menopause.

“Menopause is when I start to tell patients that, if you plan on aging in the same state you’re in now, you have to engage your brain,” Dr. Peterson added.

Aging Accelerates In The 40s And 60s, Study Finds