Physical activity, function, and longevity among the very old.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Evidence on physical activity (PA) benefits in the very old is limited, despite recommendations having no upper age limit.
• This study investigated the impact of continuing, increasing, or decreasing PA levels on survival, function, and health status in advanced age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between physical activity levels and mortality, functional status, and health outcomes in individuals aged 70 and older.
• To determine if initiating physical activity later in life impacts survival and independence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study (1990-2008) with 1861 participants born in 1920-1921.
• Assessed mortality, health, comorbidity, and functional status at ages 70, 78, and 85, with 17,109 person-years of follow-up for all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

• Physically active participants had significantly lower 8-year mortality rates at ages 70, 78, and 85 compared to sedentary individuals.
• Lower mortality was linked to PA levels at ages 70, 78, and 85 (HRs ranging from 0.42 to 0.69).
• Initiating PA between ages 70-78 and 78-85 showed significant survival benefits; PA at 78 predicted independence in activities of daily living at 85 (OR 1.92).

Conclusions:

• Continuing and initiating physical activity in very old age is associated with improved survival and functional independence.
• These findings strongly support the promotion of physical activity throughout advanced old age.