Countdown's Loud Tinkle: An Unavoidable Reminder of Time's Passage
In an intriguing turn of events, Stanford medical researchers have uncovered a surprising aspect of the aging process. Contrary to popular belief, aging does not occur steadily but rather in two major sudden bursts, around the ages of 44 and 60.
This groundbreaking discovery comes from a longitudinal study tracking over 135,000 molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75. The study revealed that most molecular changes related to aging happen dramatically during these two periods, rather than gradually over time.
These bursts are characterized by accelerated physiological changes such as muscle loss, skin decline, decreased ability to metabolize alcohol, rapid reduction in immune cells, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. These changes can explain why certain diseases and health complications, including Alzheimer's and heart disease, tend to spike after middle age and around the early 60s.
Additional work by Stanford researchers led by Tony Wyss-Coray has developed a blood test tool that can assess the biological age of organs such as the brain and heart. This tool measures whether organs appear biologically "younger" or "older" than chronological age, allowing for early detection of organ-specific aging risks. For example, an "extremely aged" brain indicates a significantly increased risk—182% higher—of death within 15 years, as well as an elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease.
This new understanding may help in developing targeted interventions and monitoring to potentially slow or manage critical aspects of aging. However, it's important to note that some of these aging bursts could be influenced by psychological or lifestyle changes commonly seen in mid-life and late-life crises, not solely by biological aging processes.
Meanwhile, in the world of podcasts, Anne—the host of the popular show "The Tyranny of Time"—is re-airing an episode this week. The Tyranny of Time episode is one of Anne's favourites and she hopes listeners will enjoy it and find new ideas from it. As for the speaker, they are reflecting on their own journey, having learned about relativity, quantum entanglement, and chronobiology during the production of "Deep Time". Their old anxiety about running out of time has faded and softened, and they are less afraid of things coming to an end.
References:
[1] Marion, M. (2021). Stanford scientists find ageing occurs in sudden bursts. Stanford News. https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/08/stanford-scientists-find-ageing-occurs-sudden-bursts/
[2] Bjornerud, M. (2020). Reading the rocks: The story of geology and our history. W.W. Norton & Company.
[3] Wyss-Coray, T. (2021). The age of ageing: A revolutionary approach to growing older. Hachette UK.
[4] Correia, D. (2021). Blood test detects biological age of organs. Stanford Medicine News Centre. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/03/blood-test-detects-biological-age-of-organs.html
- In light of this sudden burst aging research, it might be beneficial to explore health-and-wellness programs that focus on preventing or delaying these accelerated physiological changes during these critical periods, around 44 and 60.
- The science behind the aging process, as uncovered by Stanford medical researchers, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal-growth in the areas of education-and-self-development, particularly in understanding and managing one's health during the two major aging bursts.
- In the series of Anne's podcast, "The Tyranny of Time," the host reflects on the concepts of relativity, quantum entanglement, and chronobiology, finding solace in the thought that life's progression, much like aging, is not a constant process but can be better understood and navigated through self-discovery and growth.
