MDVIPWhy Do We Move Slower as We Age?

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Walking speed, or gait speed, is a key indicator of overall health and life expectancy in aging adults. This article examines the factors contributing to slower movement with age and highlights the importance of maintaining walking speed for better health outcomes.

Key Points:

• Gait speed is often included in wellness programs as an indicator of overall health and life expectancy.
• Factors contributing to slower movement in older adults include lower activity levels, slower metabolism, muscle loss, and increased energy expenditure.
• Walking speed is associated with functional mobility, cognitive skills, fall risk, and overall health.
• Gait speed tests typically involve walking a short distance (usually five meters) at normal pace, repeated three times.
• For adults 65 and older, speeds ≤ 1.3 mph suggest poor health, while speeds ≥ 2.2 mph indicate healthier aging.
• Maintaining walking speed can be achieved through regular walking programs, proper mechanics, and strength training.
• Consultation with a primary care physician is crucial before beginning a walking program.

In this report from JAMA, the researchers mention that several authors have proposed that gait speeds faster than 1.0 m/s suggest healthier aging while gait speeds slower than 0.6 m/s increase the likelihood of poor health and function.

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