Understanding immunosenescence—the aging-related alteration in the immune system—has garnered a lot of attention recently, particularly during the three years of the current Covid-19 outbreak. 

According to medical professionals, it not only leads to a reduction in the number of immune cells available to fight infections but also alters how the body defends itself, including how it reacts to vaccines. While these changes are unimportant in otherwise healthy individuals, they could prevent an elderly person from mounting a sufficient immune response in the event of a new infection.

Immune system weaknesses:

Dr. Sonam Solanki, a consultant bronchoscopist and pulmonologist at Masina Hospital in Byculla, Mumbai, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle that "many factors, like childhood infections and genetic factors, contribute to the poor immune system, but stress, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle also cause accelerated immunosenescence." 

Physical, psychological, emotional, and environmental stress all lead to hormonal imbalance in the body. For instance, the body naturally produces the steroid hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels rise during times of stress, impairing the immune system's capacity to fight off infections and mount an adaptive immunological response.

Dr. Praveen Kulkarni, the Senior Cardiologist at Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, remarked regarding the connection between stress and cardiovascular disorders, "One of the major contributing causes to cardiovascular disease is stress. 

Stress, both short-term and long-term, can have a variety of effects on the cardiovascular system. Stress results in an inflammatory condition. When there is a lot of inflammation, edema, or hormonal irregularities, adrenaline levels rise. It causes a continuous state of erratic blood pressure, erratic pulse, and erratic sleep patterns. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are other factors.

According to him, this is one way that stress can harm the heart and cause hypertension, which increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and ultimately heart attacks in the patient. "Broken heart syndrome is another separate entity that develops when stress causes heart disease, commonly known as Takotsubo illness," continued Dr. Praveen Kulkarni. 

When emotionally vulnerable people experience a sudden reduction in heart rate, it can cause acute heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and in rare cases, sudden death. A quick hormonal surge following a severe or pronounced trauma or mental stress is thought to be the cause of these symptoms. With treatment and assistance, the heart will eventually recover from this temporary illness. This particular condition, known as shattered heart syndrome, is linked to extreme stress.

Guidelines for preventing immune system aging:

An individual's overall well-being is influenced by their food, which is also crucial for their immune system. According to Dr. Sonam Solanki, "Deficiencies in micronutrients (vitamin B6/12/E/folic acid/zinc/copper/iron/selenium and important fatty acids) have been proposed to contribute to a healthy immune system. Supplementing and addressing nutritional deficiencies stop the immune system from aging. The use of general nutritional supplements to slow immunosenescence cannot be concluded from the available data.

She said, "Probiotics and a healthy gut are known to boost immune function. However, the effect of improving immune function on host resistance to infection in healthy individuals is uncertain. Indirect effects of smoking, alcohol use, and other substances include poor nutrition or nutritional deficiencies, which weaken the immune system. Other facets of life, such as physical activity and exercise, might gradually boost immunity. Exercise increases immune cell circulation throughout the body, which also leads to an improvement in tissue immunity. Additionally, exercise indirectly enhances immunity by lowering stress and inflammation. It also greatly aids in proper nourishment. A strong immune system is boosted by strength training, weight lifting, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), and walking. Taking the prescribed immunizations on schedule is another useful strategy to prevent immune system aging. For a strong immune system, other healthy lifestyle factors including good sleep habits and hydration are equally important.