The findings, by Ohio State University researchers, are based on studies of mice, but have significant implications for people as they age, Science Daily reports. 
 

"Inflammation in old age can have significant consequences on immune function," said Joanne Turner, a researcher involved in the work from the OSU Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Center for Microbial Interface Biology. "With this knowledge, it may be possible to reduce or prevent some diseases in the elderly by decreasing inflammation with diet, exercise, and/or drugs."
 

For the study, researchers tracked the impact of ibuprofen on the immune systems of mice infected with tuberculosis. They found mice on an ibuprofen-supplemented diet had reduced inflammation, better lung function, and improvements in their immune systems than even young healthy mice.
 

"This may give new meaning to the phrase 'take two aspirins and call me in the morning,' " said John Wherry, deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "The report may not be about aspirin, but it does show that over-the-counter remedies may broader value that usually appreciated, including by affecting immune functions that change with age."