A study found that seniors’ walking pace is linked to their longevity. In a study, it was found that those who walked at a pace tantamount to 2 ½ mph on a treadmill lived longer than those who walked slower.
The report researchers from University of Pittsburgh found that walking speed can be used as a measure to determine how long elders will live. It was found that faster walkers had a greater chance of living longer than their slower counterparts.
The report presented at the Gerontological Society of America, studied data of 492 elders of the age 65 and above. Yazan F. Roumani, research analyst and Stephanie Studenski, geriatrician and professor of medicine at Pitt, examined the performance of the group at Kansas City, Mo, for a decade.
The result published after nine years showed that 77 percent of the elders who walked slower than 1 ½ miles per hour on a treadmill had died. However, out of those who walked on average speed of 2 ½ miles per hour on a treadmill survived longer. Only 27 percent had died in the group in comparison to 77 percent (slow walkers).
The researchers considered other factors such as chronic illness, age, race, sex and hospitalization. However, it was found that walking speed seem to be a separate factor in determining longevity.
According to Studenski, this amazing study highlighted that the common saying “as people get older they start to slow down” is true. The decrease speed is now known to be associated with longevity.
However, according to Studenski, the analysis is simplistic. Yet, it offers vital information for doctors and physicians.
Walking speed seem to be able to mirror healthy conditions of other body parts like the circulatory system, lungs, heart and limbs. The decline in walking speed can be associated with impoverishing functioning of these body parts. Thus, walking fast might mean that you are going to live longer.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Thu, Jun 17, 2010
Anti Aging, Health And Aging, Longevity