| Until recently there was little research supporting the | | | | status, and yet still activity levels were strongly related |
| benefits of being physically active to the very old. So, | | | | to living longer. |
| do people live longer with exercise even if they are in | | | | The results of this work add weight to the idea that |
| their "golden" years? | | | | being active, even in old age, is good for you. |
| Israeli researchers are the first to find that even a little | | | | Similar benefits have been shown for younger people, |
| bit of activity (about 4 hours a week) in the routines of | | | | those in their 60s and 70s. What's most encouraging |
| the most elderly people (those in their mid to late 80s) | | | | of all is that it's never too late to start. Even for those |
| can extend life by at least few years. | | | | of this age group who weren't active before, once |
| In fact, the three year survival rate of active subjects | | | | they started, their three year survival rate was double |
| in their 80s was almost three times higher compared | | | | that of the inactive subjects of the same age. |
| to those of the same age group who weren't active. | | | | Experts not involved in the work point out that the |
| What's more, those who were active even at this | | | | study can't rule out that subjects who were able to |
| advanced age reported less loneliness and depression, | | | | exercise at such an advanced age might have started |
| along with a better ability to do everyday things. It | | | | off healthier in the first place. |
| seems that exercise, when done properly and | | | | The good news for older folks is that the type of |
| regularly, has benefits to body, mind and quality of life | | | | activity doesn't have to be super-strenuous, it can as |
| at any age. | | | | gentle as walking in 15 minute increments a few times |
| The study included 1,861 residents of Jerusalem who | | | | a day. "As little as four hours a week was as |
| were seventy years old in 1990. The participants filled | | | | beneficial as more vigorous or prolonged activity," |
| out questionnaires covering their health and levels of | | | | points out study author Dr. Jeremy Jacobs, a geriatric |
| activity from this point through 2008. | | | | specialist at Hadassah Hebrew University Medical |
| At age 85, 64% of the subjects were physically active | | | | Center in Jerusalem. |
| - a large number that's almost certainly a factor of the | | | | If you'd like to get more active, but you're getting up |
| Israeli lifestyle. Still, the team believes that the benefits | | | | there in years, don't despair. Talk with your doctor |
| of being active would be seen in the elderly populations | | | | about the kinds of activity that might be right for you. |
| of other countries. | | | | Consider working with a personal trainer so that you're |
| During the course of the study there were 512 deaths, | | | | using proper form - so you get the most from your |
| just a bit fewer than 7% of the active 85 year olds | | | | workout and reduce the chance you'll hurt yourself. |
| were dead by the age of 88; about 24% of the 85 | | | | You'll also want to be sure you take in enough fluids - |
| year olds who were not active had died by this same | | | | especially if you're active in warmer weather. It's |
| age. | | | | important to start slow and build over time. As the |
| A look at the percentages here tells the tale that | | | | research shows, the answer to do people live longer |
| death rates were lower in the active seniors. The | | | | with exercise is yes, and you don't need to be doing |
| team even accounted for factors that affect survival | | | | workouts worthy of professional athletes, just getting |
| such as the participants overall health and smoking | | | | up and going is enough. |