06 January 2011

Walking Speed Predicts Life Expectancy


Warren St., Charleston, S.C.

How fast you walk may predict life expectancy. Now, here is a study I like!

I've always walked fast because I walked to actually get somewhere. It sounds like a "grumpy old man" story but I really did walk three miles each way to high school. We took short cuts through the woods and climbed hills and were still faster than the pokey bus route.

I don't know how to amble or stroll. You need to tie a rope around my belly and hold me back if you plan on a lazy walk with me. One of the hardest things about having small children and toddlers was never being able to take a brisk stride without picking them up and carrying them.

I am always so pleased to find people who match my pace. According to this study, I should live a long time - unless I break a leg first.

10 comments:

brattcat said...

I'm afraid I'm an ambler, particularly after a knee injury. But I know you slow down sometimes or you wouldn't get these fine Charleston images.

MrScribbler said...

@brattcat -- what "slow down?" I'm sure even Joan's shutter speed is fast!

She wouldn't have so many wonderful images to share with us if she was an aimless rambler....

Keep walkin', Joan!

Jack said...

I have reached the age at which I can pick and choose which studies to believe, and I'm going with this one! Passing on the left!

Lowandslow said...

I'm a fast walker, too. I once tried walking with my (now ex) wife, but she couldn't keep up. I gave her a half-a-block head start, and I STILL beat her to the first corner. (I wonder if she was the inspiration for The Scooter Store?)

john prince said...

Nice shot, Joan...

Suzie said...

Joan, I love this article! Like you, I will live a long time. Great news!

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

When my knee is working right, I am a fast walker too. Always in a hurry to get where I am going.

Laura said...

I'm both. Sometimes I stroll, sometimes I walk fast.
Just depends on what I'm doing I suppose. :)

((Hugs))
laura

Charlestonjoan said...

Love coming home from work to all these comments. I try my hardest to behave and not blog hop from work.

Laura - I have to be forced to walk slow. My daughter reminds me when I start charging down the street after a nice meal in a restaurant that we aren't racing anywhere!

bfarr - that would really be hard for me and I'd probably gain ten pounds immediately if I had a bad leg.

Suzie - Love people who can keep my pace!

john prince - thank you!

lowandslow - hahah!

mrscribbler - I am a "click & run" photographer!

brattcat - I'll have a bad time of it if I ever hurt my legs. Maybe I should get them insured by Lloyds of London like dancers do, eh? Heh.

Commander Zaius said...

Thought I was a fast walker until my daughter came along. She leaves me in the dust.