A large body of research shows that older people who keep exercising at old age have a much better immune system than their less active peers. In some cases, certain parts of their immune system can even resemble that of a 20-year-old.
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It is generally recognized that aging coincides with the remodeling of the immune system, including heightened frequency of senescent T cells and thymic atrophy, which lead to immune compromise. However, exercise slows down the deterioration of the immune system as we age. It lowers the risk of chronic conditions, including that of various cancers.
The effect of exercise on the immune system is yet another reason to encourage people to exercise more. About 45 percent of adults and 60 percent of the elderly do not exercise enough to contribute to good health.
The pandemic has helped people realize that a healthy lifestyle with more exercise pays off. After all, it is clear that especially people with underlying disease and obesity have a higher risk of a more severe disease course. It has been shown that exercise is vital to mitigate these issues.
In addition, figures for hospital admissions show that the elderly are admitted more often due to a worse functioning immune system at a higher age.
A significant portion of our behavior (and therefore our exercise behavior) is not rational. Many people underestimate or lack knowledge about the positive effects of sufficient exercise. Therefore, it is essential for national and local policy to contribute to closing this knowledge gap. We should take exercise much more seriously as 'preventative medicine' in the health care sector.
Sources and further reading:
Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood (Aging Cell / Anatomical Society)
Will you live longer if you start taking it easier as you become older? (Universal-Sci)
Don’t have time to exercise? Here’s a regime everyone can squeeze in (Universal-Sci)
ANP press release
Being active increases heart attack survival by up to 45% (Universal-Sci)
Why working out becomes harder the less you do it (Universal-Sci)
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