PAUSE THE CLOCK

Researchers have discovered that the ageing process spikes at 44 and 60. Here's what you can do to slow it down

-  JENNY TUCKER

IT'S no surprise that our health malfunctions as the years go by.

But a new study has challenged the traditional idea that we steadily age over time.

What happens, according to the study, is that we have two spikes in our ageing - one at around 44 and the other at 60. It's like the growth spurts kids and teens have, but in reverse.

A research team from Stanford University in the US monitored molecular changes over a period of up to seven years in men and women aged 25 to 75, and discovered the two spikes.

No one wants to decline with age, so intervention is key.

"You really do want to take care of yourself as you approach these periods," says Prof Michael Synder, an expert in genetics and senior author of the study.

"Eating better will help with the drop in lipid metabolism which shows up in the 40s. And strength training is important, especially as you hit your 60s, when there is a loss of muscle mass." He also recommends having all the necessary check-ups so you can make sure things are going fine during these periods.

When it comes to health, time seems to be of the essence.

Here's what you need to know.

IN YOUR 40s

While menopause often gets the blame for the sudden increase in health concerns among midlife women, the Stanford report revealed a similar jump in age-related issues among 40-something men.

It also confirmed what we already know: our ability to process alcohol diminishes, skin and muscle texture weakens and the way we deal with caffeine, fats and sugars is compromised.

OTHER CHANGES INCLUDE

Our ability to process fats and sugars drops off a cliff Steak lovers, look away. The new research says shifts in our lipid metabolism means our body finds it harder to process these as we age, which can result in high cholesterol levels.

When the body doesn't manage cholesterol, it sits along the artery walls and clogs them.