A new study has identified a critical point in human aging, where the body’s biological processes begin to accelerate. Researchers found that this inflection point occurs around age 50 and affects multiple organs, particularly the adrenal gland, cardiovascular system, and skin.
The Chinese scientists analyzed tissue samples from 76 organ donors aged between 14 and 68 who died from traumatic brain injuries. They discovered a significant increase in proteins linked to disease as donor age increased. These proteins are associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, tissue fibrosis, and fatty liver.
Notably, protein changes in the adrenal gland began at age 30, but it was between 45-55 that the rate of change accelerated. The most dramatic effects were observed in the aorta, the main artery responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body.
The study’s findings suggest that one specific protein called GAS6 may play a key role in triggering aging throughout the body. Experiments with young mice injected with GAS6 showed signs of premature aging, including weakened grip strength and visible damage to blood vessels.
While these results support the idea that aging doesn’t follow a linear timeline, further research is needed to confirm this finding. The study’s authors hope their insights can help develop targeted interventions for age-related diseases, improving the health of older adults.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/07/29/health/your-body-starts-aging-faster-at-this-inflection-point