The strange reason why your body ages most rapidly between 44 and 60—and how to combat it

(Credit: Oliver Rossi—Getty)

Aging is not a slow, linear process, according to new research from Stanford researchers. 

In fact, aging, particularly metabolism slowing and skin wrinkling, may happen in what scientists describe as “age-related waves” versus a steady climb. The study published in the Nature Aging journal found that the body’s molecules and the microbes and bacteria that make up the gut microbiome experience rapid change at two key intervals: Age 44 and 60.