Many people see the coming of their 50th birthday with dread, viewing it as the defining line between “adult” and “middle-aged adult.” Maybe turning 50 is the year you decide to start paying more attention to your physical fitness, knowing that you begin to lose muscle more quickly as you get older. As you learn that a parent or one of their friends has dementia, you might also want to pay more attention to your cognitive skills when you turn 50.
That 50th birthday isn’t necessarily when you begin to see signs of aging, nor is the aging process linear, according to a 2024 study in Nature Aging. There are two ages in your life where you might notice a faster decline in the aging process, and one of them occurs before you put 50 candles on your birthday cake. The first acceleration of the aging process occurs around age 44, and the second occurs around age 60. During these aging crests, you should expect to see changes related to your metabolism, skin, immune function, and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Specific changes at age 44 and age 60
If you frequently read up on health issues, you’ll notice that many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer begin to occur around age 40, and your risk increases as you get older. Some of these changes are hormonal, particularly in women. The study took blood, stool, skin, oral, and nasal samples from 108 people over several years, analyzing changes in genes, proteins, metabolites, and the gut microbiome.
The researchers found aging “crests” in people’s mid-40s and early 60s involving their cardiovascular health, such as problems with blood clotting and platelet activity that increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Your skin also ages more quickly during these periods as you lose collagen and elastin. Muscle mass will decline more quickly at this first crest in your 40s and even more rapidly at around age 60.
Don’t be too surprised if your cholesterol levels rise in your 40s. Your ability to metabolize fats sees a sharp decline at this age and another in your 60s. Your body also becomes less efficient at metabolizing alcohol and caffeine. You should also be a little more vigilant about your health in your 40s because your immune system begins to weaken. Your kidney function sees a decline around age 60.
Health screenings in your 40s and 60s
Regular health screenings can protect your health during these aging peaks. If you’re in your 40s, it’s a good idea to get a blood test to test your blood sugar and cholesterol. Checking for diabetes is particularly important if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of type 2 diabetes. Women should begin getting baseline mammograms in their early 40s, but those women who are at high risk for breast cancer might start their screenings earlier. Men should ask their doctor about prostate cancer screenings around age 45, or earlier if they’re at high risk for prostate cancer. Men and women should begin colorectal cancer screenings such as a colonoscopy or an at-home test at age 45.
When you’re in your 60s, you’ll still need to get the same screenings as you did in your 40s plus a few others. A bone density test to screen for osteoporosis is usually recommended when you’re 65. You might begin to notice some changes in your hearing as you age, so you should be getting your hearing checked in your 60s if not earlier. Because your kidney function also declines around age 60, a urine or blood test can check to see if your kidneys are working properly. An annual eye exam can check for cataracts or macular degeneration, and you’ll also need to continue annual screenings for skin cancer.