Final answer:
The statement underscores the importance of a physically active lifestyle and aerobic fitness in improving health outcomes and reducing heart disease risk factors regardless of age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement highlights the significant impact of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle on health and longevity, irrespective of age. It underscores that being active and maintaining aerobic fitness can lead to better health outcomes and lower risk factors for heart disease than living a sedentary lifestyle, even if one is younger.
The health benefits of regular exercise, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, include reduced mortality rates, improved physical and mental well-being, and prevention of the deterioration that comes with aging. This comparison between an active older adult and a sedentary younger adult demonstrates that lifestyle choices greatly influence health status beyond chronological age.