'Zombie' cells in our body contribute towards ageing and ill health

Old ‘zombie’ cells linger in the body, even though they are no longer growing, and instead, release harmful molecules that affect the healthy cells around them. — TNS

With age, cells can experience senescence – a state where they stop growing, but continue releasing inflammatory and tissue- degrading molecules.

When a person is young, the immune system responds and eliminates senescent cells, often referred to as zombie cells.