Walking pace is a very important indicator when it comes to predicting life expectancy.

In fact, a long-term study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that walking pace is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. So, if you’re curious about how long you may live, you might want to start paying attention to your walking speed.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from over 50,000 people aged 30 or older who participated in the Annual National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2010.

Participants self-reported their walking pace as either “slow,” “moderate,” or “fast.”.

Researchers then followed up with participants to track mortality over a period of up to 21 years.

They found that, regardless of age, sex, BMI, and overall physical activity level, people who reported faster walking speeds tended to live longer than those who reported slower walking speeds.

Findings

According to the study, those who reported a slow walking pace had an average life expectancy of 64.8 years for men and 72.4 years for women.

Those who reported a moderate walking pace had an average life expectancy of 75 years for men and 81.4 years for women. And those who reported a fast walking pace had an average life expectancy of 86.7 years for men and 87.8 years for women.

What Can You Do?

If you’re interested in improving your walking pace, there are a few things you can do:.

1. Increase your step count

Your walking pace is largely determined by the number of steps you take per minute. Aim to take at least 100 steps per minute. You can track your steps using a pedometer or a fitness tracker.

2. Engage in regular physical activity

Regular exercise can help improve your cardiovascular health, which can in turn improve your walking pace.

3. Work on your posture

Good posture can help you maintain a faster walking pace. Keep your shoulders back, your head up, and your gaze forward.

4. Incorporate interval training into your routine

Interval training, which involves alternating periods of high-intensity exercise with periods of rest or low-intensity exercise, can help improve your cardiovascular health and walking speed.

What Does It All Mean?

While walking pace is certainly not the only factor that influences life expectancy, it is a useful tool for predicting longevity.

Of course, there are many other factors that can influence life expectancy, including genetics, diet, and environmental factors. However, taking steps to improve your walking pace is a simple and effective way to improve your overall health and potentially increase your lifespan.