Scientists have pinpointed the most exhausting decade of life – and it's bad news for anyone approaching their 40th birthday. To make matters worse, these changes coincide with a period in which the demands of life, work, and parenting often reach their peak. However, by the time we reach our 40s, small shifts begin to destabilise this finely tuned system. When we have less muscle, small everyday movements start to cost more energy than they did in our 20s. Meanwhile, the mitochondria in our cells adapt surprisingly well into later life and can be improved through regular weight training.

Source: Daily Mail February 09, 2026 22:00 UTC