New study in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests people who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who do not. According to an August 21, 2009 Reuters' article, "Our findings suggest that sedentary lifestyle, rather than differences in cardiovascular risk factors or age, may explain the two-fold higher mortality rates in the least-fit versus slightly more fit healthy individuals," lead researcher, Dr. Sandra Mandic of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, noted in an email to Reuters Health.
She pointed out that nearly two-thirds of the least-fit study participants were not
getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise - at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, on five or more days a week. "These results emphasize the importance of improving and maintaining high fitness levels by engaging in regular physical activity," Mandic said, "particularly in poorly fit individuals."And here's something of major importance, the study showed a history of exercise was not a factor. In other words, it doesn't matter if you used to be in shape. What matters is recent activity.This helps explain why a professional athlete, who was in phenomenal shape for years, can die young from heart disease. The study suggests you only get protection from recent physical
activity. This may be disheartening for many since so many people look at "exercise programs" and "diet," as temporary things. Many people do them just long enough to get in the desired shape or lose a certain amount of weight. This approach will not make you healthy. What will help make you healthy and possibly live longer is making the commitment to change your lifestyle. Committing to eating right and exercising for the rest of your life. That is exactly what chiropractors believe and have been teaching for years. Health is the result of what you routinely do- that means at this moment and for the rest of your life.
That's why it is also important to commit to getting and keeping your spine working properly with chiropractic care. If you stop exercising, you lose the positive effects. If you stop brushing your teeth, you lose the positive effect and you may also begin to grow fur on your enamel. Likewise, if you neglect your spine, chances are, you will eventually end up in that annoying pear shape again because of soreness and stiffness in your back. Remember, staying healthy and living longer is in your hands, so might as well do something about it. 
