Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School (Israel) researchers studied 1,861 men and women, ages 70 to 88 years, for the effects of continuing, increasing, or decreasing physical activity on levels on survival, function, and health status.  Those subjects who are physically active (4 or more hours of physical activity per day) increase their chances of living longer and maintaining functional independence, as compared to their sedentary peers (less than 4 hours physical activity daily). Among active 70-year-olds, the team found that 15% died over the next 8 years, compared to 27% of sedentary 70-year-olds. Eight-year mortality was 26% for active 78-year-olds, and 41% for sedentary peers. Among 85-year-olds, 3-year mortality was roughly 7% for active individuals as compared to 24% for sedentary counterparts. The study authors conclude that:  “Physical activity [is] an independent factor in mortality, and not just an indicator of the overall health of the subjects.” `

If you’ve not done so already, get active today.  The life-extending benefits of physical activity are seen with as little as 4 hours a week of gentle activity, equating to just over 30 minutes a day.