Low Awareness Among Older Adults Of The Effects Of Exercise On Immune Function

Abstract

Exercise immunologists and epidemiologists have shown a clear link between regular, moderate exercise and improved immune system function, as well as lowered susceptibility to contracting respiratory infections. PURPOSE: This descriptive study aimed to assess the levels of awareness about the benefits of exercise on the immune system and susceptibility to respiratory infections, including COVID-19, among older adults, an age group that is more vulnerable for infections such as COVID-19. METHODS: 305 participants (age 63.7 +/- 9.5 y; 202 females, 101 males, 2 non-binary) completed the anonymous online survey, which was emailed to community centers, and recreational and social organizations that target older adults, and promoted through social media. Participants were given a set of statements about how moderate exercise, performed on a regular basis, effects an individual’s overall health, immune function, chronic disease risk, and respiratory infectious disease risk. They were asked to choose whether they agreed, somewhat agreed, were not sure/neutral, somewhat disagreed, or disagreed with each statement. Frequency distributions (total and percent of respondents) were calculated for each question/statement. RESULTS: Although 92.5% (n = 282) of respondents agreed that exercise impacts overall health, only 70.5% (215) agreed that exercise impacts immune system function. An even larger gap was identified for the percent of respondents who agreed that exercise can reduce chronic disease risk (78.7%, n = 240) compared to those who agreed that exercise can reduce respiratory infectious disease risk (36.4%, n = 111). While only 0.7% (n = 2) either disagreed or somewhat disagreed with the statement that exercise can reduce chronic disease risk, that percentage rose to 9.5% (n = 29) for the statement that exercise can reduce respiratory infectious disease risk. CONCLUSION: Awareness that regular, moderate exercise benefits the immune system and lowers the risk of contracting respiratory infections diseases, including COVID-19, is much lower than awareness that exercise benefits overall health and chronic disease risk. It is clear that better messaging and education is needed to encourage individuals to engage in regular exercise, not only for their overall health, but to improve their immune function as well.