Stress, which can be from the result of a traumatic event, abuse, the strain of a job or being unemployed, accelerates ageing of the immune system, potentially shortening a person’s life, according to a new study.
The research led by Eric Klopack, postdoctoral scholar in the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, may help explain disparities in age-related health, including the unequal toll of the coronavirus pandemic, and identify possible points for intervention.
“As the world’s population of older adults increases, understanding disparities in age-related health is essential. Age-related changes in the immune system play a critical role in declining health,” said Eric, whose study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Immune ageing is linked not only to cancer, but to cardiovascular disease, increased risk of pneumonia, reduced efficacy of vaccines and the decay of the organ system.
What can you do to boost your immunity?
Some sources of stress may be impossible to control.
However, a healthy diet and exercise may be all people need.
The researchers also suggested getting vaccinated against cytomegalovirus (CMV). People infected with this common virus are typically asymptomatic, but studies have shown it can accelerate immune ageing.
Good to know.
