Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna How does the immune system affect how we age?
Dec 21, 2025
Join immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi, a specialist in nutrition and lifestyle's impact on immunity and author of 'Immune to Age.' She reframes our view of immunity, highlighting its lifelong role in aging rather than just seasonal protection. Jenna discusses using mortality as motivation for living fully, critiques the ineffective biohacking trend, and emphasizes the importance of early-life behaviors for long-term health. Learn how lifestyle changes can enhance immune resilience, build children's long-term health, and the vital connection between activity and immunity.
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Immune System Shapes Aging Trajectory
- The immune system is an ally across life, not just a winter concern.
- Its function influences the trajectory of how we age and overall lifetime health.
Mind The Health-Span Gap
- Health span is wideningly shorter than lifespan, leaving decades with poor health.
- We must shift from reactive care to earlier prevention to protect healthy years.
Evolution Shapes Midlife Immune Shifts
- Some immune genes are optimized for reproduction and work against us later in life.
- Midlife changes in immune function drive common aches, pains, and reduced resilience.