The human immune system is generally considered to be at its strongest around puberty.
After puberty, the immune system's effectiveness begins a gradual decline. This decline is often associated with changes in the thymus gland, an organ critical for T cell production. The thymus shrinks with age, leading to a reduced output of new T cells. T cells are essential components of the adaptive immune system, responsible for recognizing and eliminating specific pathogens.
The decline in immune function with age, known as immunosenescence, contributes to an increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer in older adults. While the immune system's peak performance is around puberty, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and vaccination can help support immune function at any age.
