![Ageing speeds up at 44 and 60... but it can be slowed](https://cdn.magzter.com/1591272633/1724125938/articles/wOW-wooHa1724134885355/AGEING-SPEEDS-UP-AT-44-AND-60-BUT-IT-CAN-BE-SLOWED.jpg)
There are many signs you’re well and truly into midlife. The “ooft” you make as you get out of a chair, the occasional grey hair that suddenly becomes a smattering, the tiredness in your face that no amount of face cream or early nights can fix.
So, if you’re in your mid-forties like me, and are puzzled by how you’re feeling older than ever, scientists have just discovered why. This month, researchers found that ageing isn’t a slow and steady process, but rather it happens in two accelerated bursts: once around the age of 44, and again at 60.
A study from Stanford University in the US looked at people aged between 25 and 75, and found two spikes in ageing that could be responsible for age-related health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease or musculoskeletal problems, happening at certain times.
“We’re not just changing gradually over time,” says Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at the university and the study author. “There are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-forties is a time of dramatic change, as is the early sixties.”
According to the researchers, the changes that begin in our mid-forties include our ability to metabolise caffeine, alcohol and carbohydrates, immune regulation, skin and muscle ageing, and an increased risk of heart disease and cognitive decline.
“Around the mid-forties, women hit perimenopause, characterised by a drop in oestrogen that can lead to weight gain, especially around the middle,” says Sam Rice, a nutritionist and author of The Midlife Method: How to Lose Weight and Feel Great After 40.
“No foods can replace those lost hormones, but certain foods can help support hormone balance, such as cruciferous vegetables like sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale, which contain something called indole-3-carbinol, a plant chemical known to increase oestrogen metabolism.”
Denne historien er fra August 20, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra August 20, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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'I didn't think I'd make it'
Adam Smith, the commentator with a voice synonymous with boxing’, tells Alex Pattle about his enforced absence from the sport and his agonising battle with cancer
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England charge back after early Australian fireworks
England weathered some early fireworks from Travis Head to restrict Australia to 179 in their series-opening T20 against Australia.
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Reeves must cut the gloom to return the UK to growth
Not many people are inclined to feel much sympathy for Rachel Reeves at the moment the cut to winter fuel payments could hardly have gone down worse but she’s been dealt a dismal hand. And now the economy has stalled on her.
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Stones opens up on Euros hurt and Harry's hundred.
Defender eyes century of caps as young Lions add energy’
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‘Age gap, schmage gap - it's a bit cringe, but love is love'
Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall are co-writers, co-stars, and married. They tell Ellie Harrison what it’s like to work together on their hit comedy series Colin from Accounts’
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How 'Funeral' cost Arcade Fire blood, sweat and tears
Mark Beaumont talks to members of the band about how the seminal album was shaped by death, near-fatal live shows and the Montreal music scene, 20 years since its initial release
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'I realised he could kill me
After James Barr’s ex became abusive, the comedian ended up living in fear of his partner. He believes we need to talk more about domestic violence in the queer community
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'I use my fuel allowance to go out for dinner at The Ivy'
As the backlash grows over the decision to cut the benefit for some pensioners, Zoe Beaty heads to Harrogate in Yorkshire where she nears two very different takes on Labour’s policy
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Where's a warm winter trip outside the Schengen area?
A Brexit really does keep on giving, doesn’t it? The decision to leave the European Union was followed by the UK securing its status as a “third country”, alongside Paraguay and East Timor, thereby making British travellers subject to all kinds of red tape.
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The thrilling tale of six days that changed Britain forever
Ben Macintyre’s unputdownable new book The Siege’ tells the story of an SAS op like no other, writes Robert McCrum