As somebody who's nearing my 30th birthday, fears about ageing have started to kick in.
While I don't have any grey hairs sprouting from my head just yet, I've admittedly started investing in any and all skincare designed to prevent wrinkles.
Now, experts have revealed the two ages in a person's life when the ageing process spikes dramatically, and all the late 20-somethings will be relieved to hear that we've got a good chunk of time left before it happens.
Understanding ageing
According to a study published in August, it's all about 'understanding the molecular changes that underlie ageing.'
Advert
The authors of 'Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human ageing' used a sample size of 108 participants, aged between 25 and 75, to draw their conclusions.
During the study, participants from California were tracked from '1.7 years, with a maximum follow-up duration of 6.8 years'.
Scientists looked 135,000 molecules and microbes - collected via blood, poo and skin swabs - and were shocked to learn that they didn't evolve in a gradual way.
In fact, they found that the molecules and microbes shifted more during two age groups and determined that these time periods were where more dramatic age-related changes start to take place in the human body.
This includes the possible build up of health issues, such as cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal problems.
The ages we all need to dread?
44 and 60.
"We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some really dramatic changes," Prof Michael Snyder, a geneticist and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study, told The Guardian.
"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."
But why exactly does this happen?
Well, as we hit our forties, our ability to process fats and sugars drops off a cliff due to shifts in our lipid metabolism. On top of this, our bones get weaker - this is particularly common amongst women,
Then, as we reach our sixties, are immune function becomes even more sluggish, putting us at an increased risk of a whole range of age-related health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart problems.
As for how to slow down the ageing process, Snyder says: "You really do want to take care of yourself as you approach these periods. Eating better will help with the drop in lipid metabolism which shows up in the 40s.
"And strength training is important, especially as you hit your 60s, when there is a loss of muscle mass.
"Always try to track yourself with specific check-ups, so you can make sure things are going fine during these periods."
Bec Oakes