Slow walking - a sign of rapid aging

Under the new ExplorationThere is a connection between low walking speed and premature aging. Lungs, immune system, and even teeth are in good shape longer than those who walk faster. the difference is also noticeable on the face.

In the study, researchers monitored the health of 1,000 volunteers from New Zealand, born in the 1970s, up to 45 years of age. Throughout the life of the subjects tested on a regular basis the state of health, the level of intelligence and did scans of the brain. The relationship of these indicators with the speed was amazing walk.

People who walk at an average speed of 1.75 m / s, the IQ level by an average of 12 points higher than those who walk at a speed of 1.2 m / s. Moreover, knowing the test results on the development of intelligence, and 3-year-old child, you can calculate how fast it will go to 45 years. That is, you can define as a child, how people will be smart and do grow old quickly.

For those who walks slowly, the body, the brain and the face age faster. In addition, a low walking speed in the elderly is associated with increased risk of dementia and poor health in general. Already, some doctors measure the walking speed in people older than 65 years for an assessment of muscle strength, pulmonary functioning, balance, strength, and vision of the spine.

Scientists have noted that it can be used as an early indicator of possible health problems. Potentially, such a simple test will help identify negative trends still young and avoid premature aging. Now researchers are testing different treatment options - from a low-calorie diet to metformin.