The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, still printed on a Gutenburg press for authenticity's sake, found that older adults who are able to increase their walking pace could extend their lives. Nearly 50% of those partaking in the study who did not increase their speed died. Only 30% of the people whose speed increased died. (This, apparently, was not the most joyful of studies.)
These findings do not bode well for the pedestrians of Los Angeles whose walking speeds are well below the nation's average. You might be allowed to make a right turn at a red light in LA, but you're probably not going to.
Geriatricians are not sure why "moseying speed" seems to extend life.
"We are told that we should stop and smell the roses," said a geriatrician. "But maybe we shouldn't. We should get on with our business in a timely manner. Plus, there might be a bee in those roses that would come out and scare us."
Some of the geriatricians believe that the speedy elderly have hidden reserves of resilience that allow them to "outrun" death. These doctors hope to use "striding rate" as a measurement of elderly wellness.
No matter your age, walking has numerous benefits.
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Cheap Transportation
- Weight Loss
- Stroke Avoidance
- Gets Rid of Pesky Shoe Leather
- Improve Sleep
- Reduce Cancer
This list can go on and on. Walking is a wonderful panacea. To find a doctor who knows a thing or two about exercise, click here.
For all other local medical services, click here.
