Walking may determine how long you live

Did you know that how fast you can walk can predict your chance of mortality?

Researchers are collecting more and more evidence that backs up this theory. Back in 2006, 439 people age 65 and over were tracked for eight years with researchers continually monitoring their health and physical fitness.

By the end of this almost decade-long study, there was a clear correlation between those that didn’t improve their speed and those that slowed down and death. These two factors contributed to a 56% increase in chance of death.

Then, another study measured walking speeds of 3,075 seniors. In the initial run, they were asked to walk a 400 meter course as fast as possible.

The results were visited again six years later and compared to the mortality rate of the group. Results showed that for every one minute tacked on to how long it took to complete the 400 meters, the chance of death increase by a stunning 29% and the average risk of becoming disabled jumped to 52%.

While it may seem shocking, it’s not as unexpected as some might believe. Even though walking has been the way humans get around for millennia, it is by no means a simple process. You utilize balance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness to make it go, and this requires a well-coordinated body.

This means that when your body is failing because you’re sick or have a disease, walking is one of the first activities to deteriorate.

And, by consciously walking in a way that increases vitality, you can do everything you can to ensure health and longevity.

Source:

http://www.collectivewizdom.com/FastWalkersLiveLonger.html