The immune system weakens as we get older. This not only means that the body is less able to defend itself against infections, but also that it is less effective at clearing away damaged or diseased cells. As a result, we can suffer from health problems more quickly and develop, for instance, a higher risk of cancer. Researchers distinguish two main processes in this regard: immunosenescence, the decline in the functioning of the immune system, and inflammaging, a continuous inflammatory response that is difficult to subside.
Clear differences exist between men and women in how the immune system declines. Women live longer on average, but experience health problems and limitations more frequently at an advanced age. These differences are not only important for better understanding why men and women age differently, but also for developing tailored treatments that can delay or mitigate ageing.
The study of the ageing immune system shows that sex plays a role in the rate and type of damage that occurs. Although the causes of ageing are the same for everyone, the consequences and the way the body repairs itself appear to differ between men and women. This insight may help in the future to conduct more targeted research and develop better therapies against diseases of old age.
For people who are consciously engaged in healthy ageing, it is good to know that the immune system plays a key role in maintaining health and vitality. By knowing more about how this system changes and differs from person to person, we are getting steps closer to promoting a long and healthy lifespan.
Source: Reason
