The Effects of Long-Term Exercise on Human Immunity in the Elderly

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 6-month long-term exercise program on the immune capacity of 36 elderly women. Following the exercise intervention, the results revealed a significant increase in white blood cell(WBC) counts in the 65-69 age group and the 70-87 age group compared to the 60-64 age group(p<.05). Additionally, the salivary immunoglobulin A(sIgA) secretion rate showed a significant increase after the exercise in both the 60-64 age group and the 70-87 age group(p<.05). These findings suggest the possibility that long-term exercise may further enhance the immune function of the oldest-old population(aged 70 and above), supporting previous research that exercise generally improves the immunity of older adults, contributing to a healthy life. Furthermore, this study indicates the necessity of verifying the relationship between ultra-long-term exercise programs and immune function in the elderly.