Biological Clock Accelerates at Age 60, Landmark Study Reveals
LONDON – September 12, 2025, 08:17 BST – A comprehensive study published today in Nature Aging identifies age 60 as a pivotal point in the human aging process, marking a significant acceleration in biological decline.Researchers at King’s College London found that multiple “hallmarks of aging” – including epigenetic alterations, declining immune function, and reduced cellular repair mechanisms - demonstrably speed up around this age, impacting overall health and lifespan.
The findings, based on analysis of data from over 40,000 participants across the UK Biobank cohort, suggest that interventions aimed at slowing or reversing aging may be most effective when initiated before age 60. While aging is a continuous process,the study highlights a distinct shift in trajectory,with individuals experiencing a more rapid accumulation of age-related damage after this milestone. This has profound implications for preventative healthcare, personalized medicine, and the advancement of therapies targeting age-related diseases.
The research team, led by Dr. jamie Faulkner, utilized advanced epigenetic clocks – measuring changes in DNA methylation – alongside biomarkers of immune senescence and proteostasis to assess biological age. They observed a consistent pattern: a relatively stable rate of aging until approximately age 60, followed by a steeper decline across multiple physiological systems.
“We’ve known for some time that aging isn’t linear, but this study provides compelling evidence for a specific inflection point,” explained Dr. Faulkner. “It’s not simply about chronological age; it’s about when your body starts to show accelerated signs of wear and tear.”
The study also revealed variations in the timing of this acceleration based on genetics and lifestyle factors. Individuals with a strong family history of longevity tended to experience a later onset of accelerated aging, while those with unhealthy habits – such as smoking or a poor diet – showed a more pronounced decline earlier in life.
Researchers emphasize that the findings do not imply a sudden “expiration date” at age 60. Rather, they underscore the importance of proactive health management throughout life, with a particular focus on interventions that support cellular resilience and mitigate age-related damage before this critical threshold. further research is planned to investigate the underlying mechanisms driving this acceleration and to identify targeted interventions to promote healthy aging.