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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

5 min

Does it take longer to get over colds as you age?

As we age, our immune systems become less robust, a process known as immunosenescence. This natural decline means the body's ability to fight off infections can weaken, leading to the question: **Does it take longer to get over colds as you age?** The answer is that while many people feel they take longer to recover, the reasons are more complex than just a slower immune response.

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4 min

What happens to the spleen as we age? A look at immunosenescence

The elderly have a decreased response to vaccination and an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. These outcomes are influenced by an aging immune system, including a gradual decline in the spleen's function. Understanding **what happens to the spleen as we age** is crucial for comprehending senior immune health.

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4 min

Can your tonsils disappear as you get older? The science of tonsil atrophy

Tonsils are part of the body's immune system and are most prominent during childhood when our immune system is developing. While they don't literally 'disappear,' it's a fact that they naturally shrink with age, which addresses the question: Can your tonsils disappear as you get older?

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5 min

How does age affect the lymphatic system? A comprehensive guide

Did you know that as you age, your lymphatic system undergoes significant changes, impacting fluid drainage and immune function? Understanding **how does age affect the lymphatic system** is vital for senior health and wellness. This guide explores the intricate ways this critical system changes over time and offers insights into maintaining its function for a healthier, more vibrant life.

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4 min

Do lymph nodes shrink as you age? Understanding age-related atrophy

According to scientific literature, aging is associated with a process known as immunosenescence, which causes significant changes throughout the immune system, including age-related atrophy in the lymph nodes. In response to the question, do lymph nodes shrink as you age, the answer is a definitive yes, as this atrophy involves the gradual reduction of lymphoid tissue and its replacement by fat.

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6 min

Which gland degenerates after puberty? The thymus gland's gradual decline explained

The thymus is a crucial organ for immune system development during childhood, but it is also the gland that undergoes significant degeneration, or involution, after puberty. Following adolescence, the thymus progressively shrinks and is replaced by fatty tissue, with its function of producing new T-cells dramatically reduced. This normal physiological process, known as thymic involution, has been long observed and studied for its effects on aging and immunity.

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4 min

Do Lymphocytes Decrease with Age? Understanding Senior Immunity

In a 1977 study published in the journal *Geronj*, researchers found that the absolute lymphocyte count declines sharply from childhood, stabilizes, and then accelerates its decline after age 40, reaching a low point around age 90. This initial finding helps answer the question, "Do lymphocytes decrease with age?" and serves as a starting point for understanding how the aging process impacts our immune health.

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4 min

What Damages the Thymus? Understanding the Causes of Thymic Involution

The thymus is a crucial immune organ, yet it is highly sensitive to a variety of internal and external factors throughout a person's life. Understanding **what damages the thymus** is essential for comprehending the processes that can lead to a decline in immune system function, particularly as we age.

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