"Walk fast, live longer" for over 75s

Recent research studies have found that measuring the walking speed of elderly patients reveals how much longer they will live. It also helps to identify the medical care they will need.

The research led by Stephanie Studenski, professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh showed a ten-year survival rate of 87 per cent for the fastest men in nine clinical trials. For the slowest men it was only 19 per cent. The survival rate for the fastest women over 75 was 91 per cent and for the slowest women 35 per cent.

The scientists said that life expectancy should be based on factors other than age and sex as it does vary. Professor Studensky said that measuring walking speed could become a valuable tool for predicting patients' survival and determining medical care.

Professor Studensky said: "Health in late life is imperfectly captured by the list of medical conditions you have. Walking speed is a simple way to summarize the capacity and function of many of your body’s systems."

The professor also explained that hourly walking speeds range from around one mile or 1.6 kilometres to over 3.5 miles.

Walking is a workout for all parts of the body especially the heart and lungs. It requires energy and movement control said the researchers.

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