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

5 min

Why do colds last longer when you get older? The science of senior immunity

As many as 70-85% of flu-related deaths occur in people aged 65 and older, highlighting how the aging immune system can struggle with respiratory illnesses. This phenomenon, known as immunosenescence, is a key factor in understanding why colds last longer when you get older and pose a higher risk of complications.

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5 min

Do colds last longer as you age? Understanding the immune system's changes

According to the American Lung Association, while a common cold typically resolves within one week for most adults, some colds can last longer, especially in the elderly and those in poor health. This longer duration is often linked to age-related changes in the immune system, leading many to wonder, "Do colds last longer as you age?"

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4 min

Why are people over 50 at risk for shingles?

Over 99% of people born before 1980 have had chickenpox, putting them at risk for shingles. So, why are people over 50 at risk for shingles, specifically? The answer lies in the gradual, age-related weakening of the immune system.

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4 min

Do You Get Less Sick as You Age? The Surprising Truth About Immunosenescence

Contrary to popular belief, the immune system naturally declines with age, a process known as immunosenescence. While adults may experience fewer common colds due to built-in immunity, this weakening leaves them more vulnerable to severe infections. Here's why you may not actually get less sick as you age.

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4 min

Why am I getting more colds as I get older? Understanding age-related immunity

According to MedlinePlus, as people age, their immune systems do not work as well as they once did, which can increase the risk of getting sick and experiencing complications. For those wondering "Why am I getting more colds as I get older?," the primary reason is a natural, age-related weakening of the immune system, coupled with other lifestyle and chronic health factors.

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2 min

Why are shingles so bad for the elderly?

As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making older adults highly vulnerable to severe viral infections like shingles. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes both chickenpox and shingles, remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, leading to particularly painful and dangerous health complications for the elderly.

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