Walking speed has long been recognized as a simple biomarker of aging, with slower walking speed correlating with frailty and increased mortality risk. As individuals age, they tend to become weaker and slower due to loss of fitness and strength. Recently, researchers have been exploring new measures of biological age, such as epigenetic clocks, to compare with traditional markers like walking speed.
In a new study utilizing Mendelian randomization, researchers have found evidence supporting a causal relationship between faster walking pace and slower aging. This aligns with current beliefs about the benefits of moderate physical activity on overall health and longevity. Studies using accelerometers have shown that even moderate levels of activity in older individuals can lead to significant improvements compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
The study, titled “Effects of walking on epigenetic age acceleration: a Mendelian randomization study,” delves into the connection between walking and the aging process. The results indicate that brisk walking can slow down the aging process, as evidenced by a consistent causal association across various epigenetic clocks. On the other hand, factors such as walking duration and frequency did not show the same causality with accelerated aging.
In comparison, sedentary behavior, particularly leisurely sedentary behavior, was linked to accelerated aging, particularly in the GrimAge epigenetic clock. While further research is needed to fully understand the impact of sedentary behavior on aging, the study highlights the positive effects of brisk walking on slowing down the aging process.
