The levels of molecules and microorganisms in the body undergo two periods of rapid change during an individual’s life span, at around age 44 and 60, which may impact the risk of age-related diseases. This is according to a study by Stanford Medicine, published in August 2024 in the journal Nature Aging.

Shen X, Wang C, Zhou X, et al. Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nat Aging. Published online August 14, 2024.

 

 

“We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes,” said senior author Michael Snyder, PhD, in speaking to the press.

Tompa R. Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find [press release]. Stanford Medicine. August 14, 2024.

“It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.”

 

 

Findings surprise the researchers

 

The timing of the study coincides with Healthy Aging Month. During September, the NIA is running activities and events to highlight recent scientific advances, longevity insights, and actions people can take to maintain their independence as they age.

NIA. Healthy Aging Month 2024: Shaping the Future of Aging [press release]. September 1, 2024.

 

 

The study included 108 California residents (51.9% female), aged 25–75 (median, 55.7), and with a body mass index of 19.1 kg m2–40.8 kg m2 (median, 28.2 kg m2). A previous study with the same cohort found that aging of the kidneys, liver, metabolism, and immune system varied among individuals. In the new study, the researchers tracked age-related changes in more than 135,000 different microbes and molecules, including RNA, proteins, and metabolites, representing around 250 billion distinct data points. They collected blood, stool, skin, oral, and nasal swab samples every 3–6 months and tracked participants for a median of 1.7 years, with a maximum follow-up of 6.8 years.

Shen X, Wang C, Zhou X, et al. Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nat Aging. Published online August 14, 2024.

Tompa R. Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find [press release]. Stanford Medicine. August 14, 2024.

 

The researchers found that 81% of the molecules and microbes showed nonlinear fluctuations in number. 

 

For individuals in their 40s, notable changes occurred in the number of molecules linked to alcohol, caffeine, and lipid metabolism, and also to cardiovascular disease, skin, and muscle. For individuals in their 60s, the changes were related to carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and cardiovascular disease.  

 

Menopause link

 

Initially, the researchers assumed that menopause or perimenopause could explain the changes in the female cohort, skewing the results. However, the researchers separated the group by sex and found molecular fluctuations in men in their mid-40s as well.

“This suggests that while menopause or perimenopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women,” said first author Xiaotao Shen, PhD.

Tompa R. Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find [press release]. Stanford Medicine. August 14, 2024.

 

 

Identifying and studying these factors should be a priority for future research.

 

Lifestyle interventions

 

 

Dr. Snyder noted that some molecular changes may be linked to lifestyle rather than biological factors. Still, whatever the cause, people should focus on their health, especially in their 40s and 60s, the researchers suggested. 

 

“I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy,” Dr. Snyder said.

Tompa R. Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find [press release]. Stanford Medicine. August 14, 2024.

 

The NIA highlights many lifestyle actions individuals can take to help them age healthily.

NIA. Healthy Aging Month 2024: Shaping the Future of Aging [press release]. September 1, 2024.

For physical health, the NIA recommends regular physical activity, such as brisk walking and yoga; healthy eating by following the Mediterranean or low-salt diet; sleeping well with a regular sleep schedule; quitting smoking; avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption; and visiting the doctor yearly, or more if needed, for health screenings.

 

For mental wellness, the NIA recommends avoiding loneliness by staying connected with others; managing stress via meditation, physical activity, and participating in enjoyable activities and hobbies; and seeking treatment for depression. 

 

 

For cognitive health, the NIA recommends avoiding smoking or drinking heavily; following a Mediterranean diet; participating in 150 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise; and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as playing games, writing letters, and reading.