How exercise in old age prevents the immune system from declining

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swee'pea99

Legendary Member
Beware of media headlines and sound bites, they don't convey the whole picture, and are prone to distort the results of good science research for the sake of attention grabbing.

If your don't want to read the whole of the scientific results, just read the conclusion then:

"Conclusion

This study has characterised the physiological phenotype of a group of highly active, non-elite, older athletes, who we contend represent a model of inherent healthy human ageing. Despite studying a large number and diverse range of indices, it was not possible to identify a physiological marker that could be used to reliably predict the age of a given individual. Rather, we have found that the relationship between chronological age and most functions is complex, as is highlighted by the wide range of ages accommodated in any given bandwidth of function. The biological ageing process, even when free from confounding factors, is thus likely to be highly individualistic. Our results provide further support for the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies of human ageing using appropriate cohorts and taking physical activity into account, if the relationship between age and physiological function is to be elucidated and reliable biomarkers of ageing obtained.
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Have to say I see nothing in there that supports its presentation as
Doing lots of exercise in older age can prevent the immune system from declining and protect people against infections

It seems more concerned with trying to identify 'reliable biomarkers of ageing' - a 'physiological marker that could be used to reliably predict the age of a given individual.' Where's the bit about how cycling till you're old is good for you?
 
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