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BIOLOGY OF AGING: RESEARCH TODAY FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW 33
of the chickenpox virus, this particular
ute to immunosenescence. Radiation, chemi-
vaccine relies on existing memory T cells
cal exposure, and exposure to certain diseases
and has been particularly effective in older
can also speed up the deterioration of the
people. Researchers are investigating ways to immune system. Studying the intricacies of develop other vaccines that are adjusted for
the immune system helps researchers better
the changes that happen in an older person’s
understand immunosenescence and deter-
immune system.
mine which areas of the immune system are
Negative, age-related changes in our innate most vulnerable to aging. Ongoing research and adaptive immune systems are known
may shed light on whether or not there is any
collectively as immunosenescence. A lifetime way to reverse the decline and boost immune of stress on our bodies is thought to contrib-protection in older individuals.
THE FUTURE OF AGING RESEARCH