Seniors' Walking Speed May Predict Life Expectancy (clinical commentary)

Researchers combined results from nine studies involving 34,485 adults aged 65 and older. They measured how quickly people could walk and followed them for about 12 years. People who walked faster generally lived longer than those who walked more slowly. Walking speed was linked with survival, but it did not prove that walking faster itself extends life.

What this means for you: Walking speed can be a useful sign of overall health and independence, but it is not a precise personal countdown or a reason to buy a particular product. Regular safe activity is sensible, though this research did not test whether speed-training increases lifespan.