Signs of Aging Appear at 20, Study Says

Aging is typically studied in the elderly, but a study released Monday said different rates of aging could be detected as early as mid-20s. The findings published in the National Academy of Sciences Annals of July 6 were based on a group of 954 people born in New Zealand in 1972 or 1973.

The researchers collected data on kidney, liver and lung function, oral hygiene, blood vessels in the eyes, as well as metabolism and immune system function of volunteers at 26, 32 and 38 years. They also measured cholesterol, fitness levels, and telomere length, which are the protective caps at the end of the chromosomes - which, it turns out, decrease with age.

Using a total of 18 biological measurements, the researchers determined a "biological age" for each participant at 38 - with some under 30 and some appearing to be nearly 60. When scientists looked closely at those who had aged faster, they found that signs of deterioration were evident at age 26, when the first set of biological measurements were taken.

Most people in the group were aging at the expected rate of one biological year per chronological year, or even less. Others were aging at a rate of three biological years per chronological year. Those whose bodies were aging faster also "were worse at tests normally given to people over 60, including balance and coordination tests and unfamiliar problem solving, " the study said.

And when a group of Duke University college students were asked to look at pictures of people in the group, they constantly rated older people whose bodies were aging faster than the rest. The study's authors said their findings pave the way for future tests that may be easier and cheaper to implement, so people can figure out how fast they are getting older in their 20s - when they can still do something and possibly prevent it. age-related diseases.

Previous research has shown that genes account for only about 20 percent of aging, leaving the rest to health and environmental habits. "This gives us some hope that medicine may be able to slow aging and give working people healthier years, " said senior author Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University.

Miami, United States

Via In Summary.