How many years can staying active offset declines in endurance and strength?

Staying active can significantly offset declines in endurance and strength over time. Research indicates that continued physical activity can help maintain these aspects of fitness for up to 30 years. Regular exercise contributes to muscle preservation and cardiovascular health, counteracting some of the natural age-related changes that occur in these areas.

When individuals remain physically active, they often experience slower declines in their physical capabilities, allowing them to maintain a higher quality of life as they age. This long-term benefit illustrates the importance of consistent exercise and its profound impact on overall health, particularly in older adults.

The other options suggest shorter durations, which do not fully encapsulate the extent to which a regular exercise regimen can influence fitness levels well into one's later years. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the long-term advantages of remaining active and how it can preserve physical function for decades.