5 minute read
In the continuum of life we tend to see our day to day life progression like a river gradually flowing in between mountains, over flat lands, slowly meandering away towards a largely unknown destination... and this mirrors how we view ageing. However, like so many things in life, this is an illusion.
New scientific insights are changing how we understand ageing. For years, we’ve believed that growing older was a slow, steady process of decline. But this is not how ageing happens.
Yes, we Age in Bursts
New molecular research has revealed something different — human ageing actually occurs in two major bursts of biological change: one in our mid-40s, and another in our early 60s.
These findings come from studies tracking thousands of our key molecular markers - DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites - across people aged 25 to 75. Researchers noticed that the body doesn’t age at a constant pace. Instead, these molecules linked to metabolism, muscle tone, immunity, and inflammation all accelerate during two key windows or transitions in our lives:
- At around 44 - metabolic and cardiovascular markers shift intensify.
And again,
- At around 60 - changes in immune regulation and energy balance become more pronounced.
o These bursts may help explain why certain health challenges, such as reduced energy, muscle loss, or immune vulnerability, often cluster around midlife and later life.
This isn’t at All Bad News — Quite the Contrary!
While this may sound alarming, it’s actually empowering.
Knowing when these transitions occur gives us the chance to prepare, by creating a new roadmap for proactive, age-specific wellbeing.
By future-proofing ahead of these natural bursts, we can prepare our very personalised roadmap, and below is a high-level guide of what to do, to empower you, to take control of your wellbeing.
Proactive Wellbeing Roadmap:
In your 40s - focus on building reserves:
- stay active
- strengthen muscles
- improve sleep
-
monitor key health indicators such as
- blood pressure
- cardiovascular profile
- glucose levels.
In your 60s - concentrate on protecting resilience:
- eat enough protein
- maintain strength training
-
support your immune system through
- good and healthy nutrition
- regular health checks
- don't forget about your vaccines
- nurture your social connections to preserve mental health.
The Takeaway?
Ageing is Dynamic rather than an Inevitable Decline.
By anticipating these natural “bursts,” we can strengthen the body and mind ahead of change — extending not just how long we live - lifespan, but how well we live - health span.
This is an amazing opportunity to understand and develop practical ways to improve your wellbeing through every phase of your life, including the incredible value of looking after your skin.
As usual, it goes without saying... have fun!
