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What Is Inflammaging—and Why Are Doctors Talking About It?
- Dr Meghanath Yenni
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Ageing is a natural part of life. But scientists now know that how we age is influenced by more than just the number of birthdays we celebrate.
One concept receiving increasing attention is inflammaging—a term used to describe chronic, low-grade inflammation that develops with age.
Unlike the redness and swelling that occur after an injury or infection, inflammaging is usually silent. It often causes no symptoms but can slowly affect the body's organs over many years.
Research suggests that persistent low-grade inflammation may contribute to several age-related conditions, including:
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Osteoarthritis
Dementia
Certain cancers
What drives inflammaging?
Multiple factors can contribute, including excess body fat (especially around the waist), physical inactivity, poor-quality diet, inadequate sleep, chronic stress, smoking, environmental pollutants, and changes in the immune system that occur with ageing.
The good news is that healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce chronic inflammation. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, getting adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress all support healthier ageing.
Take-home message: Ageing is inevitable, but unhealthy ageing is not. Looking after your lifestyle today may help reduce silent inflammation and support a healthier body and mind for years to come.