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We are gaining a better understanding of the effects of ageing on the immune system, with some surprising findings that it’s not all downhill after 65
Health
31 January 2023
The immune system mostly gets worse in older age, but some benefits appear late in life Vicki Turner
JUST as many parts of our body change as we get older, so does our immune system. But contrary to popular belief, emerging evidence suggests it isn’t all downhill.
Let’s start at the beginning. Because of their lack of previous encounters with pathogens, young children are vulnerable to all kinds of infections. Newborn babies have some protection thanks to antibodies that cross the placenta to reach the fetus during pregnancy and linger in their bodies for weeks to months. Some antibodies are also passed on through breast milk.
Vaccines are recommended for babies in the order in which protection from these antibodies wanes. For instance, a vaccine against whooping cough is given at 8 weeks of age, because so-called maternal antibodies to this infection fall quickly.
Once babies and children start mixing with other children at nurseries and schools, there is a surge in respiratory illnesses, stomach bugs and other infections they haven’t encountered before. We gradually encounter more and more pathogens, leading to immunity against them that can last a lifetime. Even infections that are too mild to notice can lead to immunity.
Going through the menopause can cause changes to the strength of your immune system kate_sept2004/Getty Images
In adulthood, pregnancy leads to temporary changes in the immune system, with some immune cells becoming less active to make sure the fetus isn’t rejected. This can mean pregnancy leads to a higher risk of infections, …
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