time activities at the start of the study: an inactive group, an insufficiently active group, and a group that got the recommended level of exercise for adults - at least 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking or gardening on most days of the week, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise like running or swimming. Overall, adults in this latter group were 41 percent less likely to show functional decline over the next 2 years than their inactive peers were. The risk reduction was almost as great for those who exercised at a less-than-ideal level. "Given the high prevalence of arthritis," Feinglass and his colleagues write, "even modest increases in rates of lifestyle physical activity among older adults could make a substantial contribution to disability-free life expectancy." It is always a good idea, Feinglass noted, for sedentary people with arthritis to consult their doctor before taking up any activity. --SP 18 09 Local Time 15 09 GMT
