This Is How Fast You Should Walk to Help Lower Your Risk of Death

People who walk faster may have better underlying health. Lol2368/E+/Getty Images A study found that walking speed can help predict people’s risk of dying from any cause. Both a clinical test and a test done in daily life were able to predict mortality risk. Experts say walking speed predicts death risk because it’s an indicator of overall health. If your walking speed slows, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare professional. New research shows that how fast you walk, whether measured in a clinical test or through daily activity, can help predict your risk of dying from any cause. The study compared two ways of measuring walking: a short walking speed test conducted in a clinic and the step rate people take in their everyday lives, measured with a wrist-worn device. Both measures were linked to mortality risk and showed similar ability to predict it. The findings, published on October 23 in JAMA Network Open, could help doctors and researchers choose the best method for assessing health risks in different settings. Clinical walking speed vs. everyday walking The study was part of the Whitehall II accelerometer substudy in the United Kingdom. It included 4,067 participants…

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