The benefits of walking are well-documented and many people walk regularly for their physical and mental health. Of course, walking speed relates to effort and calorie burn. In addition, however, walking speed appears to correlate with longevity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburg looked at the results of nine previous studies on walking and older adults. They statistically standardized and then compared walking speed to how long the walker lived. Interestingly, a faster walk was associated with a longer life for both men and women 65 years and older. The relationship held even when they factored in things like blood pressure readings or previous hospitalization.
According to the March 2011 Harvard Medical School newsletter which reported on this study:
“People with gait speeds of 1 meter per second or faster lived longer than would be expected given their age or gender. (One meter per second is equivalent to 2.2 miles per hour and just a bit slower than the speed needed to cross the street at most timed traffic lights.)” See more
Now, this doesn’t mean that increasing your walking speed will extend your life. These are statistical associations, not cause-and effect studies.
However, realizing that we are walking at a slower pace might prompt attention to other health issues that could be modified. A few other thoughts come to mind given my interest in improving movement.
• Perhaps you’ve allowed your pace to slow down prematurely and some attention to how you walk, or consciously adopting a slightly faster rhythm, as you are comfortable, could be helpful.
• Allowing the shoulders to move when walking tends to lengthen the stride, which could affect gait speed.
• Finding a more upright alignment and better balance can increase confidence and may allow you to pick up the pace.
Certainly regular walking provides positive health outcomes for most of us. Nor should we approach all walks as a speed event! On the other hand, as we teach in the Feldenkrais Method®, having options is key to health and vitality. So vary the pace, even a bit, from time to time!
