Do you feel like you get sick more easily than when you were younger? When the weather is bad, does it take you a long time to feel better?
Immunity (the body's defense system) tends to weaken with age.
„Just like you probably can't run as fast as you did in your 20s, your immune system doesn't work as well as it used to,“ says Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, chair of the University of the South School of Medicine. Nassau Community Hospital.
But there's no need to fear. At least you don't have to worry too much.
„Compared to many other bodily functions, most people's immune systems are actually quite good at any age,“ says Glatt. Most of our immune systems are fully functional, so the risk of infection and illness is not much higher than normal. Even better? No matter your age, there are many things you can do to stay healthy.
It is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs. Together, they protect the body from bacteria and other things that can cause infections.
Why does it get easier as you get older? It's still a bit of a mystery.
„The medical community is still working to understand exactly how and why immunity declines with age,“ says Dr. Kira Rubtsova. Rubtsova is an immunology researcher at the National Jewish Health Organization in Denver.
what kind of researcher do Most older people know the following:
Doesn't respond well to vaccines: The immune system contains T cells that attack other cells that cause disease. They can „remember“ the intruder and better defend against it later. As we get older, we produce fewer T cells, and new vaccines are needed for most vaccines to be effective.
exception? This is the shingles vaccine. That's one of the reasons why it works so well in advanced sets.
You're more likely to get sick: As we age, not only the number of immune cells decreases, but also the communication between immune cells decreases. This means it takes longer to react to harmful bacteria.
Recovery from injuries, infections, and illnesses is delayed. „The body produces fewer immune cells (such as white blood cells),“ Rubtsova says. „It can delay healing.“
There is no set age at which the immune system weakens.
„It's like gray hair. It happens at a different rate in everyone,“ says Rubtsova. There is no single test that shows your immune system is not functioning optimally. „There are certain immune markers that you can test for, but it's not the same as getting tested for, say, heart disease,“ Glatt says.
Therefore, it is important to see your doctor regularly and if you get sick often or have difficulty recovering after an injury or illness.
Always maintain good health. if you have Diabetes, arthritisFollow your doctor's recommendations for , or other things that affect your mood or function. „When you manage a disease like diabetes properly, it puts less strain on your immune system,“ Glatt says.
sleep well. „Studies clearly show that even in young, healthy people, too little sleep, or poor quality sleep, weakens the immune system,“ says Dr. Gisele Wolfkline. You need to set aside at least 7 hours a night. If you snore or have trouble falling or staying asleep, see your doctor. You may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
Look for ways to reduce stress. over time, stress Immune response may be reduced. „When you're constantly worrying about something, it takes a toll on your body,“ Wolfklein says. It can also lead to other problems that affect your immune system, such as lack of sleep and improper diet.
Stay away from people who are sick. „In fact, the older you get, the more likely you are to get sick, so you need to be extra careful about your exposure to germs,“ says Wolfkline. If you're around someone who has a contagious illness like a cold or flu, try to avoid getting too close and wash your hands more often.
Don't forget to get vaccinated. Although it may be less effective as you get older, it remains an important way to lower your risk of many serious illnesses, including influenza and pneumonia. Consult your doctor for the latest information about vaccinations.
Move more often. Moderate exercise keeps you healthy and strengthens your immune system. Research also suggests that it helps cells move more freely, helping them do their jobs better.
eat well. There is no one diet that improves immunity. But researchers know that a varied diet rich in vitamin and mineral-rich foods (such as fresh vegetables and fruits) helps keep your body, including your immune system, functioning at its best. Masu. Eating a healthy diet can also help you keep track of your weight, reduce stress on your body, and improve your immunity.
Please don't smoke. Smoking weakens your body's immune response, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Your doctor can help you find ways to quit smoking.