Physical Activity: A Prerequisite for Optimum Immunity of the Elderly

Abstract

Physical activity has a major impact on health. Some effects are well established; as a major component of energy expenditure, physical activity has a great influence on energy balance, body composition and the immune system. Previous studies, show that over the last century, people have become less active, adopting more sedentary habits. This scenario has increased the incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome which may be directly or indirectly traced to the immune system. The practice of physical activities can influence healthiness by altering the metabolic state and also the immune system. This work is about how physical activities affect optimum immunity in the elderly. The concept of physical activity was discussed where the different activities were classified as; aerobic, strength training, balance and flexibility activities. Immune system was discussed and was stated as the system that defends the body against disease causing agents. The different ways of boosting the immune system was analyzed and they included; eating healthy, staying hydrated, being physically active, getting adequate rest among others. Physical activities that help boost immunity in the elderly was explored, and some of them includes; aerobic activities, muscle-strengthening activities among others. It was discovered that physical activity boosts the production and optimum performance of bodily substances like white blood cells. The study also discovered that excessive prolonged physical activity could lower the immune system. In conclusion, it was noted that moderate bouts of physical activity tend to have an immune system boost that lasts for short periods of time after the activity has been completed. Based on the conclusions of the paper, it was recommended among other things that the elderly should engage in a total of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, on five or more days in a week.