What We Learned About Aging in 2024
We are aging in “bursts”
A study published in Nature Aging revealed that aging is not a continuous, gradual process but occurs in distinct waves, with significant molecular changes peaking around ages 44 and 60. Researchers analyzed over 135,000 molecules in individuals aged 25 to 75, identifying dramatic shifts in molecules related to metabolism, cardiovascular health, and immune function during these periods.
“We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes,” said Michael Snyder, PhD, Stanford University chair of genetics and the study’s senior author. “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.”
These findings could help health care providers learn more about what interventions might be appropriate at each of these aging stages.
There could be a lot more centenarians soon
The Pew Research Center reported that the number of United States citizens living to 100 years old is expected to quadruple in the next 30 years. This year more than 100,000 people lived to 100 years old. That number is expected to reach 422,000 by the year 2054.
Slowing of age-related decline
A study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that globally, the rates of age-related declines in older adults is slowing down. Improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation throughout the 20th century have played a key role in enhancing cognitive, locomotive, psychological, and sensory capacities in older populations. This suggests that societal advancements have a profound impact on the aging process, potentially extending the period of healthy aging.
“We were surprised by just how large these improvements were, particularly when comparing people born after World War II with earlier-born groups,” said study author John Beard, MBBS, PhD, professor of aging in health policy and management at Columbia University. “But there is nothing to say we will continue to see the same improvements moving forward, and changes such as the increasing prevalence of obesity may even see these trends reverse. It is also likely that more advantaged groups will have experienced greater gains than others. But overall, the trends were very strong and suggest that, for many people, 70 really may be the new 60.”
Our longevity gains may have plateaued
But, despite these health improvements, the rise in human life expectancy in wealthy countries has slowed over the past 30 years. We may be approaching what scientists think is the theoretical upper limit of the human lifespan. While humans gained up to three years of lifespan per decade in the 20th century, recent increases have averaged only 6.5 years over 30 years. This plateau is attributed to high survival rates into later ages, where biological aging becomes a major risk factor. Future increases in life expectancy may require breakthroughs in understanding and manipulating the biological processes of aging.
These discoveries show just how wonderfully complex aging is and remind us that with the right efforts and a little help from modern advancements, we can make the journey of growing older healthier and more vibrant for everyone.