Walking Speed
Usual gait speed over a short distance (e.g. Optimal range: 0.8 m/s: median life expectancy; above 1.0 m/s: longer than expected; 1.2 m/s and above: exceptional survival.
What it measures
Usual gait speed over a short distance (e.g. 4 meters), in meters per second. It integrates strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular capacity.
Why it matters
Walking speed predicts survival in older adults: in a pooled analysis of 34,485 adults, each 0.1 m/s increment was associated with longer life. It is sometimes called the sixth vital sign.
Optimal ranges
Sourced targets, not just lab reference ranges. Lab ranges describe the population; these describe where the evidence says you want to be.
| Range | Context |
|---|---|
| 0.8 m/s: median life expectancy; above 1.0 m/s: longer than expected; 1.2 m/s and above: exceptional survival | Studenski et al., JAMA 2011, pooled analysis of 9 cohorts (n=34,485). |
How to improve it
- 1
Daily walking, including brisk and hill walking
- 2
Lower-body resistance training (squats, lunges, step-ups)
- 3
Balance and foot-strength work
- 4
Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint load
Connected to
Goals
Longevity Lab Report
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Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before acting on any biomarker result.