Aging changes in immunity

Besides slightly decreasing immunity, aging also affects inflammation and wound healing. Inflammation is an immune response -- when the immune system thinks there is trouble, it sends more cells to the site of the problem and this causes swelling, pain, redness, warmth and irritation, which are the hallmarks of inflammation. Inflammation often indicates infection, but may also occur due to autoimmune attack on "self" tissue as well.

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Many older people heal more slowly. This may be directly related to changes in the immune system, or it may be a consequence of other problems such as diabetes or arteriosclerosis, which leads to decreased blood flow to some parts of the body such as the lower extremities.

Also, many older people take anti-inflammatory medications (to control conditions such as arthritis) and these are also known to slow wound healing.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Increased infection risk
Decreased ability to fight diseases
Slowed wound healing
Autoimmune disorders
Cancer

DISEASE PREVENTION

Just as routine immunizations are important to prevent illness in children, a few routine immunizations are important as we get older. Adult tetanus (Td) immunizations should be given every 10 years (a booster may be given sooner if there is a dirty wound).

Your health care provider may recommend other immunizations, including pneumovax (to prevent pneumonia or its complications), flu vaccine, hepatitis immunization, or others. These optional immunizations are not necessary for ALL older people, but are appropriate for some.

Keeping generally healthy also helps. Maintaining good health involves the following:

Exercise.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
Stop smoking.
Minimize alcohol use. Moderate drinking seems to have some health benefits, but excessive drinking can cause serious damage.
Use safety measures to avoid falls and other injuries.