Want to get older slower? Run faster, or at least more often. Researchers at the University of Birmingham, U.K. are convinced that people who exercise regularly maintain more muscle mass and have immune systems that appears to have aged slower than the immune systems of people who do not exercise. A U of Birmingham news release reports that researchers recruited 125 amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79, 84 of whom were male and 41 were female. The men had to be able to cycle 100 km in under 6.5 hours, while the women had to be able to cycle 60 km in 5.5 hours. When their lab tests were compared to those from a group of adults who don’t exercise, the researchers found far less loss of muscle mass and strength in those who exercise regularly. The cyclists also did not increase their body fat or cholesterol levels with age and the men’s testosterone levels also remained high, suggesting that they may have avoided most of the male menopause. Wait, there’s more: the cyclists were found to have an immune system that did not seem to have aged either. The cyclists’ thymuses were making as many T cells as those of a young person.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, April 19, 2025
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Phytoncides are important to a plant’s immune system. Science now suggests phytoncides can boost a human’s immune system as well. Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients A healthy immune system can increase the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatments  especially immunotherapy. Many of the most promising new drugs being tested for mesothelioma are designed to unleash a patient’s own immune system on their cancer. But for this treatment approach to work, a patient must have a strong immune system to begin with. Aside from helping the immune system, the health benefits of forest bathing include: Reduced stress Diminished pain perception Better blood-sugar control Improved mental concentration In 2017, a Korean study reviewed research on a few other potential benefits of breathing forest air.