An important study published in 2024 challenged this notion. This study was conducted at Stanford University, a renowned research institute in the United States. The research was led by geneticist Michael Snyder.

Aging Phase

We often think of aging as a linear and slow process. Little changes every year—graying hair, wrinkles on the skin, a decrease in energy—but what if the reality were different, and what if the body suddenly began to change rapidly at a certain age? An important study published in 2024 challenged this notion. This study was conducted at Stanford University, a renowned research institute in the United States. The research was led by geneticist Michael Snyder. According to him, the human aging process does not proceed in a completely linear manner, but rather, sudden, rapid changes occur in two specific phases. So let's explore which two main phases cause aging the fastest. 

Which two main phases cause aging the fastest?

According to research, major and rapid age-related changes in the human body occur primarily in two phases: the first phase around the age of 44, and the second around the age of 60. Around these two ages, many biological (molecular) changes in the body suddenly increase. 

How was this research done?

Scientists studied 108 adults aged 25 to 70 over several years. Biological samples from their blood, skin, intestines, nose, and mouth were collected every few months. In total, more than 135,000 biological features (such as RNA, proteins, lipids, and the microbiome) were analyzed, representing over 246 billion data points. After analyzing this vast data set, scientists found that approximately 81 percent of molecular changes were most pronounced during these two age stages. 

What changes around the age of 44?

The mid-40s are marked by rapid changes in many areas of the body, including lipid (fat) metabolism, the ability to digest caffeine and alcohol, an increased risk of heart disease, sagging skin, and decreased muscle strength. Interestingly, this is the age at which women typically experience menopause. However, researchers have found that significant changes occur in men at this age as well. This suggests that hormonal changes are not the only culprit; there may be other biological factors. 

What happens around the age of 60?

The body undergoes another major change in the early 60s. This time, carbohydrate metabolism is affected, caffeine processing changes, and the risk of heart disease increases, the immune system weakens, kidney function declines, and skin and muscles become more fragile. This means that the body's ability to repair and protect itself clearly declines at this age. Researchers have found, in part, that the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and heart disease does not increase gradually, but rather rapidly after a certain age. This suggests that sudden changes at the biological level within the body can also dramatically increase the risk of disease.