A walking speed below 0.8 meters per second may indicate accelerated aging of the body. This conclusion was reached by psychologist Alexander Nigel William Taylor and specialist Marco Arkestein from Aberystwyth University in Wales. This is reported by the Independent.
A normal pace for an adult is considered to be around 1–1.4 meters per second, which corresponds to approximately five kilometers per hour. This indicator is usually associated with good physical condition and a more favorable health prognosis. If the speed decreases, it may indicate a weakening of muscle strength, reduced endurance, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
For self-assessment, one can measure the time taken to walk, for example, ten meters and calculate the average speed in a usual rhythm. Researchers also recommend the so-called dual-task test: performing simple calculations while walking, for instance, subtracting seven from one hundred in turn. A slowdown in pace or frequent mistakes in such a test may indicate a possible decline in cognitive functions.
Experts emphasize that such methods do not replace medical diagnosis, but they help to timely notice alarming changes. In their opinion, regular physical activity and attention training can slow down aging processes and support the functionality of the body.
