Gait Speed and Survival in Older Adults

Researchers combined results from nine long-running studies of 34,485 adults aged 65 and older. They measured how quickly each person usually walked and followed them for about 12 years. During that time, 17,528 people died. Faster walkers generally lived longer: each extra 0.1 meters per second in walking speed was linked with about a 12% lower risk of death. This was an observational study, meaning it found a link but did not prove that walking faster causes longer life.

What this means for you: Walking speed can be a useful sign of overall health and may help identify people who need support. It is not a reason to buy a special product or assume that simply walking faster will extend your life.