Quicken your pace to lengthen your life
A comprehensive study of the data of more than 405,000 adults has revealed that there is a possible link between brisk walking and your biological age. Results indicate that brisk, motivated walkers could achieve the equivalent of someone 16 years younger using this metric.
Essentially our biological age is measured by a biomarker referred to as your leucocyte telomere length (LTL). Such markers work the way a sealer on a shoelace prevents it from unravelling, so LTLs can cap chromosomes in our bodies to protect them from damage.
The reported research from the University of Leicester indicates a causal link between faster walking and LTL, independent of other physical activity. Researchers were quick to note that the key point is speed – a brisk walk is required, as opposed to a leisurely stroll.
Lead author, Paddy Dempsey, noted that ‘… in addition to increasing overall walking, those who are able could aim to increase the number of steps completed in a given time, e.g., by walking faster to the bus stop.’