Most people probably think that aging happens gradually and linearly – that a 40-year-old ages as quickly as a 20-year-old. But researchers now believe that this need not be the case, writes American CNN.
In a study from Stanford University, researchers found Michael Snyder and Xiaotao Shen that human aging is particularly rapid during certain years.
And it goes especially fast at two specific ages.
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When do people age the fastest?
At what age do you age the most then, you might wonder?
Yes – i the study studied a sample group of 108 people to see how quickly or slowly they aged at different stages of life.
The result? Snyder and Shen, who are the researchers behind the study, found that people age in two accelerated stages: first at 44 years of age and then again at 60 years.
Among other things, a significant decrease in the ability to absorb caffeine was observed, first around the age of 40 and again around 60. The burning of alcohol also decreased drastically for the people who approached 44, Snyder explained to CNN.
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The ability to burn alcohol decreases drastically during two ages | Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT Can it be dangerous to age quickly?
Aging comes, of course, with certain health risks.
Both 40- and 60-year-olds showed changes in proteins that hold tissues together, which likely helps explain skin, muscle and cardiovascular changes, Snyder added.
Disease risks for people in these two ages also increase more rapidly—especially after 60. The study found that people 60 and older are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and type 2 diabetes.
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What can be done to reduce aging?
Today, as many as 654,000 Swedes are between 40 and 45 years old, while 586,000 people are around 60, states Statistics Sweden.
As for what can be done to prevent excessively rapid aging, the researchers recommend lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol and exercising more as you approach these crucial years.
Snyder also advises people approaching 60 to watch their carbohydrate intake, and drink plenty of water to help the kidneys work.
– Take extra care of your soul at these specific times in life, says the researcher to CNN.
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