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Ageing is often noticed through small changes, such as hair turning grey, drier skin, or movements that become slower. But some of the most important ageing-related changes take place inside the body, quietly and without warning. One of these is the gradual weakening of the immune system, a natural process that makes it harder to fight infections. This change is not immediately visible, yet it can determine how well the body copes with illness.
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What might be a passing fever for a younger person can turn into something far more serious in later years. A simple flu can take weeks to recover from; pneumonia can lead to hospital stays and shingles may leave behind nerve pain for months or years. Infections can interrupt routines, affect independence and place added strain on families. That is why preventive measures e.g.: vaccination, supported by timely health checkups and regular conversations with doctors, are such an important part of ageing well.
The silent costs of skipping vaccination in older adults are often overlooked.
Illnesses bring complications
Influenza, pneumonia and shingles are often considered routine infections, but in later years they can debilitating. Influenza is one of the leading causes of seasonal hospital admissions worldwide, and older adults are consistently amongst the most affected. Pneumonia continues to be a major cause of functional decline and death in the older adults. Shingles, which occurs when the virus that once caused chickenpox becomes active again, especially in older adults (above 50 years of age), may often leave behind months of nerve pain.
These illnesses may thus do more than cause temporary discomfort. They can limit mobility, reduce independence, and in some cases lead to long-term complications that change daily life. Regular health checkups with doctors ensure that older adults stay up to date with the protection they need.
Financial burdens
In India, most healthcare expenses are paid for directly by families. This means that when an older adult falls ill, the household often has to cover the bills for medicines, diagnostic tests, consultations and sometimes weeks of hospital care. Even a single episode of pneumonia or severe influenza can place a heavy strain on savings, and many families are left struggling to cope.
Taking measures to prevent these infections and their related complications also means preventing the related financial burden. Routine checkups with doctors also help catch problems early, a stage at which treatment is simpler and less expensive. When older adults are protected, families are spared from unexpected financial burden.
Loss of independence
For many older adults, physical independence is one of the most valued aspects of life. Maintaining this independence includes engaging in meaningful social and productive activities such as taking an art class, joining a club or volunteering, which support well-being, purpose and joy. Even a short illness can disrupt these activities and affect quality of life.
A flu infection may cause days of fever and fatigue, leaving behind weakness that lingers for weeks. Shingles can make daily movements painful and limit social interaction. Pneumonia often requires long recovery times and regaining strength can be a slow process.
These interruptions go beyond physical discomfort. They can diminished independence and make older adults feel as if they have less control of their lives. Talking regularly with your doctor ensures that preventive care and vaccination is tailored to individual needs. When independence is maintained, older adults are able to contribute to family life and remain active in their communities. This directly reduces the caregiving responsibilities that often fall on loved ones.
Hidden load
When an older person becomes ill, the effects ripple outward: families may need to rearrange routines, take time away from work, or bear the emotional weight of caring for a loved one. These responsibilities can be exhausting, especially if illness is prolonged or leads to complications. At the same time, healthcare services face added pressure during seasonal outbreaks of influenza and pneumonia. Hospitals and clinics often see sudden surges in admissions, which stretch already limited resources.
By preventing many of the infections that require urgent care, the load on families lightens and healthcare systems can focus resources on patients with unavoidable needs. Routine checkups add to this protection by ensuring that preventive care remains on track. The benefit is shared across households and communities, making vaccination an important tool not just for individuals but for society as a whole.
Towards healthier ageing
The real cost of skipping vaccination is not in hospital bills but in missed moments, broken routines and burdens carried by loved ones. Prevention can play a role in keeping those costs away and protecting the simple joys that make ageing meaningful. With the right care, older adults can treasure their years not as a struggle, but as a season of strength and dignity.
(Dr. Randeep Guleria, is chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine & Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Delhi. randeep.guleria@medanta.org)
Published – October 30, 2025 12:44 pm IST
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