Final answer:
The statement is true because the light from galaxies 12 billion light years away took 12 billion years to reach us, suggesting that the universe is at least that old.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is True. When we observe galaxies that are 12 billion light years away, it means that the light we see from these galaxies has been traveling for 12 billion years to reach us. This provides evidence that the universe must be at least 12 billion years old since that is how long it took for the light to reach us. By studying the light from distant galaxies, astronomers can obtain an incredible view of the past.