Research conducted at the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem has found exercise benefits people in their 70s and 80s. 1861 people took part in the study and were followed over an 18 year period. They found those people who exercised at least 4 hours a week were less likely to die than those who led a sedentary life. For instance, an active 85 year old had a 7% chance of dying over the next 3 years, compared to 24% of sedentary 85 year olds. Furthermore, the active people were more likely to maintain their independence. These differences remained, even when accounting for health problems. The researchers make it clear that it is never too late to take up exercise and benefit from such activity.