Immune resilience - how a strong immune system slows down aging
Why do some people age faster than others - and why do some stay healthy into old age while others are affected by diseases early on? A recent study in the journal Aging Cell, provides a surprising answer: Those who pay attention to their immune strength live longer and healthier.
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Does our immune system determine how fast we age?
Our immune cells play a role in how fast we age and how many years we live. This is the result of a recent study in the journal Aging Cell,1. The so-called 'immune resilience' – the resilience of the immune system – plays a crucial role in a healthy and long life.
Clear connection between immune profile and longevity
Scientists analyzed the health data of over 17,500 people aged between 40 and 70 years for this purpose. They used modern multi-omics methods to delve deep into the biological processes at the cellular level and obtain a comprehensive picture. The result: People with a particularly robust immune defense had a 60 percent lower risk of death, responded better to vaccinations, and exhibited a remarkably youthful immune profile - regardless of their actual age.
What does "immune resilience" mean exactly?
At its core, immune resilience describes the body's ability to maintain the balance of the immune system even under stress, such as infections, stress, or age-related changes. If we have high immune resilience, we can counteract age-related processes such as inflammation, cell damage, and immune aging.
The best years to prevent
The findings mark a paradigm shift: Instead of focusing solely on fighting diseases, the targeted strengthening of immune balance is now taking center stage - with the aim of slowing down age-related processes and extending healthy years of life. Middle age, that is, the years between 40 and 70, proves to be a particularly critical time window for preventive measures.
Conclusion: The significance for us - and what we can already do today
Those who strengthen their immune resilience have a good chance not only to live longer but also to live healthier. It is never too late to start. A strong immune resilience not only protects us from infections but also from silent inflammations that can promote aging, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia.
3 things you can do now
Think about micronutrients deliberately: Our immune system relies on a delicate balance of many vitamins and trace elements, from vitamin D and zinc to selenium. Make sure to include fresh, unprocessed foods in every meal, such as vegetables, berries, nuts, and fermented foods.
Maintaining social connections: Studies show: People with stable, warm relationships have a more active immune system. Whether it's regular conversations with friends, new group activities, or volunteering - social closeness has a stronger impact than many assume.
Fill the day with meaning: Whether it's a small garden project, creative writing, or learning a new skill - giving structure and meaning to one's everyday life has been proven to strengthen physical and mental resilience.
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Manoharan MS et al.: The 15-Year Survival Advantage: Immune Resilience as a Salutogenic Force in Healthy Aging. Aging Cell. 2025 Apr 23:e70063. doi: 10.1111/acel.70063. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40264357.
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