The everyday activity that can reveal your brain's age

The speed at which a person walks can reveal important information about their brain's health and the rate at which it is aging. Research shows that slower walking speeds are linked to smaller brain size and changes in key brain structures. Walking speed is not just about moving from one place to another; it reflects how well different parts of the body and brain work together.

As people age, it is normal for their walking speed to slow down. However, a sudden or sharp decline in walking speed can be a sign of underlying health issues. Christina Dieli-Conwright, a professor at Harvard Medical School, explains that slower walking may be due to chronic health conditions or a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weaker muscles and less joint mobility. This decline can then cause further health problems.

Measuring walking speed is simple and can be done with a stopwatch and a measured distance. For example, a common test involves walking 10 meters at a normal pace after a short warm-up. The walking speed is calculated by dividing the distance by the time taken. Average walking speeds vary by age and gender, with younger adults generally walking faster than older adults. Studies have found that walking speed is a strong predictor of life expectancy, especially in older adults. For instance, men aged 75 with slower walking speeds have a much lower chance of living another 10 years compared to those who walk faster. This shows that walking speed is a useful indicator of overall health and aging.