MIAMI: Aging is typically studied in the elderly, but a study released Monday said different rates of ageing can be detected as early as the mid-20s.

The findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ on July 6 issue are based on a group of 954 people born in New Zealand in 1972 or 1973.

Researchers collected data on the subjects’ kidney, liver and lung function, dental health, the blood vessels in the eyes as well as their metabolism and immune system function at age 26, 32 and 38.

They also measured cholesterol, fitness levels and the length of the telomeres, which are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that have been found to shorten with age.

Using a total of 18 biological measurements, researchers determined a “biological age” for each participant at age 38 — with some registering under 30 and others appearing to be nearly 60.

When scientists looked closely at the ones who had aged more quickly, they found signs of deterioration were apparent at age 26, the age when the first set of biological measurements were taken. Most of those in the group were ageing at the expected rate of one biological year per chronological year, or even less.

Others were ageing as fast as three biological years per chronological year.

Those whose bodies were ageing faster also “scored worse on tests typically given to people over 60, including tests of balance and coordination and solving unfamiliar problems,” said the study.

And when a group of university students at Duke was asked to look at pictures of people in the group, they consistently rated as older those whose bodies were ageing more quickly than the rest.

Study authors said their findings pave the way for future tests that may be easier and cheaper to implement, so that people can find out how fast they are ageing in their 20s, when they might be able to do something about it and possibly prevent age-related diseases.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.