Scientists discover there's two specific ages where humans will start to age a lot faster at

Getting older isn’t actually a slow and steady process after all, because scientists have discovered that there are two ages where humans will start to age a lot faster.

According to researchers, the biggest aging spikes happen around specific years, meaning your body could basically decide to hit the fast-forward button overnight.

So if you’ve ever woken up one day wondering why your knees suddenly crack every time you stand up, science might finally have the answer.

The first aging spike

It was almost a given that aging happens steadily and gracefully and you can face the future knowing that old-age hasn’t hit you all at once.

However, a study by geneticist Michael Snyder of Stanford University and his colleagues tracked adults over several years and found that the body doesn’t age gradually the way most people imagine.

The first aging surge around 44 was linked to changes involving metabolism, skin, muscles, and cardiovascular health.

In simple terms, this is apparently the age where your body starts becoming dramatically less forgiving.

Whether it’s a late-night takeout or one bad night’s sleep, you would now feel it for three business days.

The researchers also pointed out that these changes happened in both men and women, although they said menopause could still play a role for some women during that first aging spike.

The second aging spike

Just when you thought you survived the first one, scientists say another major aging jump tends to happen around age 60, with this second wave linking to immune system changes and overall health decline.

The findings have caught attention because they help explain why many people feel like aging suddenly speeds up instead of creeping along gradually year by year.

But, thankfully, researchers say lifestyle choices still make a huge difference.

Exercise, sleep, healthy eating, and reducing stress can all help people stay healthier for longer, even if your body decides it’s time for its regularly scheduled iOS update.

Still, learning that two exact ages are waiting around the corner to humble everyone has definitely made getting older feel a lot more real.