The Science Of How Your Body Ages

Live longer, happier and healthier. Starting here.

Ask people what they think they’ll look like in 25 years, and chances are they’ll mention how their parents looked at that age. And while genetics certainly play a part, research shows there’s more to the story. Only about 30% of what we see as ageing is inherited, explains ageing expert Dr John Rowe. When you look specifically at things above the neck – like cognitive function, vision and hearing – that number goes up to about 50%. ‘People feel there’s some intrinsic clock playing out a program in their body that they don’t have influence over,’ says Rowe. ‘It’s just not true.’

Yes, good news: we have real control over how our bodies age. Ageing is happening on a cellular level at every moment, so for a long and healthy life, it’s vital to stay on top of the changes within your body and your mind. For a better understanding of these shifts through every decade, we talked to the experts.

20s

In our 20s, we’re generally at the peak of physical health. In several ways, our bodies are still on the upward curve of development (even our menstrual cycles may be more regular than in our teens!) and our brains and bones are growing to their full potential.

brain

Your brain is changing well into your 20s, says internist Dr Shanna Levine. Research has shown that your prefrontal cortex – the part responsible for factors like inhibition, high-level functioning and attention – continues growing until about age 25.

POWER UP It’s never too early to prioritise brain health! Keep your noggin sharp through the decades – see Boost your Brainpower on page 58.

bones