The COVID-19 pandemic is posing challenges and threats to people and healthcare systems worldwide. Acute respiratory complications that require intensive care unit (ICU) management are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Patients with worst outcomes and higher mortality include those with lower immune systems, namely older adults, individuals with multiple chronic conditions and generally malnourished people.
Older adults are at higher risk due to a combination of higher prevalence of chronic conditions and aging associated changes in body composition (sarcopenia).
Daily exercise and a healthy diet:
- Improve muscle mass/function,
- Optimize nutritional status,
- Strengthen the immune system, and
- Provide a strong base as prevention for viral infections.