Studies continue to show that a more active lifestyle can offset some effects of aging, including heart damage, memory loss and cognitive impairment. A new study on the relationship between walking speed and biological age has added new content to this treasure house of knowledge. This study uses a lot of genetic data, which shows that those who walk faster may benefit from a longer healthy life.

Source map

20 19, a study explored the relationship between gait speed and health, and proved the relationship between walking slowness in forties and biological indicators that accelerate aging. In addition, researchers at the University of Leicester have previously proved that just walking for 10 minutes a day can prolong people's life span by 3 years. These scientists have now used genetic data to confirm what they call causality.

Tom Yates, the first paper in this study, said: "Although we have proved that walking speed is a powerful predictor of health, we are still not sure that walking speed can really bring better health. In this study, we use the information in the human genetic map to show that the faster walking speed may indeed lead to the younger age of the creature, which is obtained by telomere measurement. "

It is reported that telomeres are hats located at the ends of chromosomes, which can protect chromosomes from damage, so telomeres are the center of many studies on the effects of aging. When our cells divide, telomeres will shorten and eventually prevent cells from dividing further, which will turn cells into so-called aging cells. Therefore, telomere length is considered as a useful indicator for measuring biological age.

This new study analyzes the genetic data of more than 400,000 middle-aged people obtained from the British Biobank, and compares it with the self-reported walking speed information of the participants and the information obtained by the motion tracker worn by the participants. This study is considered to be the first time to study these factors together. In addition, in the process of doing so, a clear connection has been established between fast walking and younger physiological age. Scientists wrote in their research papers that according to telomere length, the difference between fast walkers and slow walkers is 16 years.

Dr. Paddy Dempsey, the first paper of this study, pointed out: "This shows that slow walking speed is a simple method to identify people who are more prone to chronic diseases or unhealthy aging, and the intensity of activity may play an important role in optimizing intervention measures."