Could Walking Faster Help You Live Longer? A New Study Says Yes

Jun 12, 2018 by apost team

You might not think that your walking speed has much to do with how long you'll live - but it actually might. New research from the University of Sydney has come to the surprising conclusion that people who walk briskly could be at lower risk for dying, although the research team hasn't figured out why yet. 

Researchers looked at people who walked slower than average, people who walked faster than average, and people who walked at an average pace. They found that people who walked at an average speed were 20 percent less likely to die from any cause than people who walked slowly, and fast walkers were 24 percent less likely to die. 

apost.com

The researchers found almost identical statistics when they looked at how likely average and fast walkers were to die of cardiovascular disease compared to slow walkers. Average-speed walkers were 21 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular problems, while fast walkers were 24 percent less likely to die. 

The researchers noticed that walking quickly was even more strongly associated with reduced risk of death in older study participants. For people over the age of 60, an average walking speed indicated a 46 percent reduction in risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Fast walkers over the age of 60 were 53 percent less likely to die from heart problems. 

Generally, a fast walking pace is considered to be between three and four miles per hour. If you walk fast enough that you start breathing slightly harder than usual, your walking pace is probably considered quick. 

The Australian researchers next partnered with British researchers to try to figure out why a person's walking speed is linked with their risk of dying from various causes. They discovered that a person's gender and weight don't seem to have anything to do with their risk of death. They also found that a person's walking speed does not seem to affect their risk of dying from cancer. 

The researchers still aren't sure exactly how and why a person's walking pace and risk of death are related. More research still needs to be conducted. However, the team has emphasized that their findings should highlight the importance of walking regularly for exercise. These early studies seem to indicate that people can reduce their risk of dying from heart disease by increasing the speed at which they walk. 

What do you think about this new study? Consider passing it along to your family and friends so they can learn from it, too. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!