Getting the shingles vaccine not only appears to protect against this painful rash. Recent research shows that it may also help slow down the biological ageing process. Biological ageing is about how quickly the body actually gets older, independent of age in years.
In a large-scale study involving more than 3,800 participants aged 70 and over, scientists investigated the effects of the shingles vaccine. The results showed that people who had been vaccinated experienced less chronic inflammation. This type of inflammation is called ‘inflammaging’ and is linked to many age-related conditions such as heart problems, frailty and cognitive decline.
Furthermore, the researchers observed fewer ageing-related changes in genes in those who had been vaccinated. This suggests that the body's immune system remains calmer and causes less ‘wear and tear’. Inflammation plays a major role in accelerating ageing and its associated ailments.
These findings make clear that a simple shingles jab may have a broader positive impact on our health as we get older. Tackling chronic inflammation is a key part of healthy ageing and preventing diseases that are often associated with age.
Source: Original article
