A group of eight older adults holding sparklers and laughing

For more moments that matter, aim for healthy ageing

Video player requires JavaScript enabled. You can download this video here: https://videos.gskstatic.com/pharma/myvaccination/SHN0006_BroughtByVaccines_Adult_30_Generic%20v5.0.mp4

As you age, your immune system – the body’s natural defence against infectious diseases – can start to deteriorate.

The importance of a strong immune system

A healthy immune system – made up of special organs, cells and chemicals – is needed to help fight infection from pathogens, protect against harmful substances in the environment and attack abnormal cells within our bodies (such as cancer cells). There are many ways in which the immune system offers protection, and these are generally grouped into two categories:

Innate immune responses

Innate (non-specific) immune responses provide immediate defence against foreign pathogens or substances – these are the immune responses we are born with. Components of the innate immune system include physical barriers (e.g., skin, eyelashes, nose hair), chemical defenses (e.g., saliva, tears, stomach acid) and some types of white blood cells.

Adaptive immune responses

Adaptive or acquired immunity is not something we are born with – our bodies have to learn this response. The adaptive immune system must learn to identify and defend against foreign pathogens, meaning the initial response takes time. After first exposure, special immune cells "remember" pathogens, allowing faster and more accurate responses to future infections from the same pathogen.

The effects of ageing

As we grow older, our adaptive and innate immune systems can stop working as well as they used to. Some of the following changes may affect the immune system:

Our immune system responds more slowly to pathogens or substances, increasing susceptibility to certain infectious diseases.
Immune cells reduce in numbers, which means our bodies may take longer to heal.
Our immune systems become less effective at detecting and correcting mutations in cells, which may increase our risk of cancer.
Autoimmune disorders may develop as the immune system becomes less able to distinguish self from non-self, increasing risk of damage to healthy cells.

Age-related decline in immune function may occur more rapidly after the age of 50. There are several other factors that can also contribute to decreasing immune system function, including genetics, environment, lifestyle and nutrition.

anchor

There are several proactive behaviours that can help to keep you healthy and reduce your risk of infection.