Who Lives Longer: Fast Walkers or Slow Walkers? A Study of 475,000 People Reveals a Common Longevity Trait

Many studies have proven that walking can prolong life. In an effort to improve their health, many people set goals to walk faster each day. But does this method of exercise really work, and does the speed of walking truly have a significant impact on lifespan?

The following study provides us with an answer.

The University of Leicester in the UK conducted a study to confirm the relationship between fast walking and longevity. This study, which spanned 10 years, involved 475,000 participants aged around 50.

After statistical analysis, the study found that the life expectancy of men who walk fast ranges from 85.2 to 86.8 years, while for men who walk slowly, it is 64.8 years. Women who walk fast have an average life expectancy of 86.7 to 87.8 years, while those who walk slowly have an average life expectancy of 72.4 years.

From these results, it can be seen that men who walk fast live about 20 years longer than those who walk slowly, and women who walk fast may extend their lifespan by an additional 15 years compared to others.

However, this study cannot directly prove a causal relationship between walking speed and longevity. In reality, many factors affect a person’s lifespan, such as diet and genetics. Nonetheless, this study suggests that walking speed can influence our health to a certain extent.

As for why fast walkers tend to live longer, experts explain that walking at a fast pace means higher intensity exercise. This allows the body to be more physically active, which helps burn fat more effectively, promotes blood circulation, and makes the body healthier. Additionally, walking requires the coordinated function of many organs, such as bones, muscles, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system. Therefore, if a person can walk at a fast pace, it indicates that these organs are functioning well, which contributes to a longer life.

Remember These 5 Tips for More Effective Walking Exercise

1. Stay Hydrated Failing to hydrate adequately can leave the body in a state of extreme dehydration, increasing stress and burden on the body, and reducing the effectiveness of walking. When walking, carry water with you and take small sips regularly to stay hydrated without discomfort from drinking too much at once.

2. Warm Up Gently Before Walking It is essential to perform light exercises before walking to ensure that your muscles and joints are ready for movement. Spend 5 minutes warming up lightly, and start by walking slowly to reduce the risk of injury. Also, slow down towards the end of your walk for about 5 minutes.

3. Choose Comfortable Shoes Shoes are an important aid during walking. Soft, lightweight shoes won’t hinder your feet and will make walking easier. Therefore, pay attention to selecting appropriate walking shoes to improve comfort and enhance the effectiveness of your walk.

4. Avoid Always Walking on Hard Ground Hard, non-elastic surfaces increase the load on your lower limb joints and raise the risk of injury. When walking, try to choose soft and elastic surfaces that reduce the impact on your lower limb joints and protect your knees.

5. Take Small Steps Taking smaller steps while walking reduces the strain on your muscles and allows for longer walks. Most people tend to overuse their ankles when walking. After a few minutes, they feel localized fatigue. The solution is to take smaller steps and focus on maintaining balance while walking.

The study from the University of Leicester highlights a significant link between walking speed and longevity, showing that fast walkers tend to live longer than slow walkers, with men potentially gaining up to 20 years and women up to 15 years of life. While the study cannot definitively prove causality, it underscores that walking at a faster pace may be an indicator of overall better health, contributing to extended lifespan. To maximize the benefits of walking, it's important to stay hydrated, warm up properly, choose comfortable shoes, avoid hard surfaces, and take smaller steps to reduce strain on the body. Ultimately, incorporating these habits into a regular walking routine can enhance both health and longevity.