At what age is the risk of developing shingles increased?

The risk of developing shingles significantly increases for individuals over the age of 60. This increase in risk is largely attributed to the natural decline in immune function that occurs as people age. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve tissues, and a weakened immune system, often seen in older adults, can lead to its reactivation.

Older adults are generally more susceptible to infections and have a higher likelihood of experiencing complications from conditions like shingles, making the age of over 60 a critical threshold for heightened risk. It's important to note that while shingles can occur at any age, particularly in individuals who have had chickenpox earlier in life, the vast majority of cases are seen in older populations, underlining the importance of age as a significant risk factor.