• Question: Why are older people more likely to get a serious illness?

    Asked by 842aged37 to Carolyn, Peter, Richard, Sara, Siana on 12 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Richard Unwin

      Richard Unwin answered on 12 Nov 2015:

      Depends on the question. Infections and injuries tend to be worse in older people as our bodies immune system work less well and we don’t heal as quickly. We are also more likely to develop serious illnesses such as cancer, dementia and heart disease. Mostly this is because during our life our bodies are constantly being damaged and we have excellent systems for repairing and fixing cells and tissue. However, it’s never perfect and there are only a limited number of time w can do it, so over time some tiny bits of damage build up and make these systems work less well (wear and tear). – and that’s ageing.

    • Photo: Carolyn Nielsen

      Carolyn Nielsen answered on 12 Nov 2015:

      Richard has covered this well!

      One of the main problems is that elderly people have weaker immune systems and so it takes a lot more energy for them to fight off infections, and the infections can become more serious because they don’t clear them as quickly.

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