Lifestyle Interventions to Improve Immunesenescence

Regular participation in exercise and physical activity is associated with many health benefits including improvements in metabolic and cardiorespiratory function. However, as we get older the time and intensity at which we exercise is severely reduced. Physical inactivity now accounts for a considerable proportion of age-related disease and mortality. These diseases are associated with an increased systemic inflammatory milieu and immunesenescence. Regular exercise and physical activity has been suggested to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-immunesenescence effects, potentially delaying the health declines with ageing. No immune cells are impervious to the effects of ageing and exercise appears to modify many immunological functions. Regular exercise has been shown to improve neutrophil microbicidal functions which reduce the risk of infectious disease. Exercise participation is also associated with increased immune cell telomere length, and may be related to improved vaccine responses. The anti-inflammatory effect of regular exercise and negative energy balance is evident by reduced inflammatory immune cell signatures and lower inflammatory cytokine concentrations. In this chapter we will discuss the role of physical activity and energy balance in modifying the immune system. Specifically we discuss what role each plays on limiting the incidence of immunesenescence in older adults.

Duke Scholars

Author David Bruce Bartlett Medicine, Medical Oncology

Author Kim Marie Huffman Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology