Exercise, immunity, acute respiratory infections, and homebound older adults.

Appropriate exercise may enhance immune function and lessen acute upper and lower respiratory tract infection (ULRI) symptoms in older adults. Home health care professionals need to know about this potential exercise effect because increased disease resistance and well-being can have a direct impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and independence. This article discusses recent exercise immunology research results, briefly explains the pathways by which exercise might affect immunity and ULRI, and provides guidance for home health care personnel regarding the delivery of an exercise program for their clients.