Do you feel like you’re getting sick more easily than when you were younger? When you’re unwell, does it take longer to get back well?
Immunity—your body’s defense system—tends to weaken as you age.
“Just like you may not be able to run as fast as you used to in your 20s, your immune system no longer functions as well as it once did,” says Aaron E. Glatt, chair of the Department of Medicine at Southern University. . Glatt, MD.
But don’t be afraid – at least not.
“Compared with many other body functions, most people’s immune systems actually perform very well at any age,” Glatt said. Most of our immune systems work well, so our risk of infection and illness is not much higher than normal. Or even better? No matter how old you are, there are many things you can do to stay healthy.
It is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs. Together, they protect your body from things like bacteria that can cause infection.
Why does it get lighter as you get older? This remains a mystery.
“The medical community is still trying to determine how and why immunity declines with age,” said Dr. Kira Rubtsova. Rubtsova is an immunology researcher at National Jewish Health in Denver.
What researcher Do Most older people know:
Not responding well to vaccines: Your immune system includes T cells, which attack other disease-causing cells. They can “remember” an intruder and better defend against it. As we age, fewer T cells are produced, and most vaccines require new T cells to work.
Exception? Shingles vaccine. That’s one of the reasons it works so well for advanced groups.
More likely to get sick: Not only do you have fewer immune cells as you age, but the immune cells you do have are less able to communicate with each other. This means they take longer to respond to harmful bacteria.
Recover more slowly from injuries, infections, and illnesses: “Your body produces fewer immune cells, including white blood cells,” Rubtsova said. “This slows down healing.”
There is no fixed age for when immunity declines.
“It’s like gray hair – it happens to everyone at a different rate,” Rubtsova said. There is no single test that can tell you that your immune system is not functioning optimally. “We can test for certain immune markers, but that’s not the same as testing for conditions like heart disease,” Glatt said.
That’s why it’s important to see your doctor regularly and seek medical assistance if you are frequently sick or injured or have difficulty recovering from illness.
Always pay attention to your health. If you have diabetes, arthritis, or another condition that affects how you feel and function, follow your doctor’s advice. “Controlled diseases such as diabetes are less damaging to the immune system,” Glatt said.
sleep well. “Research clearly shows that getting too little or poor sleep reduces immunity, even in healthy young people,” says Gisele Wolf-Klein, MD. You should work at least 7 hours every night. If you snore or have trouble falling or staying asleep, see your doctor. You may have a sleep disorder.
Find ways to reduce stress. Over time, stress may lower your immune response. “When you’re constantly worried about something, it takes a toll on your body,” Wolfe-Klein says. It can also cause other problems, such as poor sleep and poor diet, both of which can affect your immunity.
Stay away from sick people. “The reality is that as you get older, you have to be especially careful about bacterial exposure because you’re also more likely to get sick,” Wolf-Klein said. When you are around someone who has a contagious illness like a cold or the flu, try not to get too close and wash your hands frequently.
Don’t skip vaccines. Although they may not be as effective when you are older, they are still an important way to reduce the risk of many serious illnesses, including the flu and pneumonia. Check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations.
Move more frequently. Moderate exercise helps keep you healthy and thus strengthens your immune system. Studies also show that it helps cells move more freely, helping them do their jobs better.
Eat well. No one diet can improve immunity. But researchers do know that a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, helps your body, including your immune system, function optimally. Eating healthy can also help you manage your weight, which can reduce stress on your body and improve your immunity.
do not smoke. Smoking weakens your body’s immune response, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Your doctor can help you figure out how to quit smoking.
