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Exercise Ameliorates Immunosenescence: From Mechanisms to Interventions
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Institute of Sport and Health, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524037, China
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Guangdong Provincial Kay Laboratory of Development and Education for Special Needs Child, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524037, China
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2026, 15(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010058 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 1 December 2025
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Revised: 23 December 2025
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Accepted: 26 December 2025
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Published: 28 December 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunosenescence and Its Modification by Interventions)
Simple Summary
Aging is a natural process that affects many parts of our bodies, including the immune system, which helps protect us from diseases. As we age, our immune system gradually loses its strength. This results in weaker defenses against infections and a higher risk of illnesses related to aging, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. These health issues can affect our quality of life and how long we live. Researchers are exploring ways to slow down aging and maintain a strong immune system. Recent studies show that regular physical activity can significantly improve how well our immune system works. Exercise helps our bodies process nutrients better, encourages better communication between our organs and the immune system, and reduces inflammation that can come with aging. Additionally, being physically active can help aging immune cells function better by activating certain cell processes. It is important to note that different types and amounts of exercise can have varying effects on immune health. Overall, staying physically active throughout life can greatly enhance our immune system and help us age healthier.
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process that affects the function of various organs, including the immune system. Immunosenescence is characterized by diminished immune cell function, weakened immune responses, and imbalances in immune components, which together reduce the body’s resistance to pathogens and increase the risk of age-related diseases in older adults. These conditions pose direct threats to health and significantly impact quality of life and longevity. Therefore, effective strategies to delay aging and maintain immune function are critical areas of research. Emerging evidence suggests that moderate physical activity can significantly enhance immune system functionality, serving as an effective intervention for mitigating immunosenescence. Exercise is known to remodel the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, strengthen communication between organs and the immune system, regulate the functions of both innate and adaptive immune cells, and decrease age-related chronic inflammation. Furthermore, exercise aids in restoring the functionality of aging immune cells through mechanisms such as autophagy activation, mitochondrial optimization, and epigenetic reprogramming. Importantly, a dose–response relationship exists between various exercise modalities and the attenuation of immunosenescence in older adults, with the cumulative amount of lifelong physical activity profoundly influencing the pace of immunosenescence.
