How does the aging process affect the immune system?

The aging process negatively impacts the efficiency of the immune system, resulting in an increased susceptibility to infections. This phenomenon, often referred to as "immunosenescence," describes the gradual decline in the functional capacity of the immune system as individuals age.

Key processes involved in this decline include a decrease in the production of new immune cells, particularly T-cells and B-cells, which are essential for adaptive immunity. Older individuals often experience a diminished response to vaccinations and face greater difficulty in combating pathogens. Additionally, the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self diminishes, leading to an increased risk of autoimmune conditions and greater incidence of infectious diseases.

The other options present a range of inaccuracies regarding the immune system's function in older adults. Some suggest that efficiency improves or remains unchanged, which contradicts well-documented research on immunosenescence, while others imply an exclusive focus on chronic diseases, neglecting the overall increased vulnerability to infections.