February 7, 2022 - New research published in the journal Aging Cell in the UK shows that cycling can prevent the immune system from declining and protect people against infections reports the BBC

Long-distance cyclists in their 80s have the immune systems of 20-year-olds according to researchers who looked at markers in the blood for T-cells, which help the immune system respond to new infections.

“The immune system declines by about 2-3% a year from our 20s, which is why older people are more susceptible to infections, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and, potentially, cancer,” said co-author Prof Janet Lord. “Because the cyclists have the immune system of a 20-year-old rather than a 70- or 80-year-old, it means they have added protection against all these issues.”

Read the full report here.