Stanford Medicine research reveals that the body undergoes significant molecular and microbial shifts during the mid-40s and early 60s, affecting health and aging-related disease risks. These changes occur abruptly rather than gradually, challenging the belief that aging is a continuous process.
Scientists tracked thousands of molecules and microbiomes in people aged 25 to 75, finding that 81% of the molecules did not shift linearly with age. Two key periods—around ages 44 and 60—showed the most dramatic fluctuations in molecular levels.
These changes are associated with a higher risk of diseases like cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s, particularly during the early 60s. The shifts in molecules related to cardiovascular disease and immune function are notable, signaling a biological turning point during this age.
The researchers initially thought menopause or perimenopause explained these changes in the mid-40s. However, the shifts were also seen in men, indicating that broader biological factors might be driving these transformations in both sexes.
In the mid-40s, molecules related to alcohol, caffeine metabolism, and cardiovascular health showed significant shifts, while in the early 60s, changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune function, and kidney health were observed. Lifestyle factors, such as increased alcohol consumption in midlife, could also contribute to these shifts.
The study highlights the importance of paying attention to health during these critical periods. Researchers suggest adopting healthier lifestyles—like increasing exercise and reducing alcohol consumption—during these phases to mitigate the effects of these biological shifts and reduce disease risks.
