Older adults who walk faster are more active in their daily lives
A recent study from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, shows that physical activity declines substantially with age, even among older adults who are in good physical condition. Over a four-year follow-up period, physical activity energy expenditure decreased by an average of about 17%.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland has found that older adults with faster preferred walking speeds tend to be more physically active in their daily lives. Despite maintaining good physical condition, physical activity levels among older adults decline substantially as they age, with an average decrease of 17% in physical activity energy expenditure over a four-year period.
This research, published in the European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, highlights the importance of physical functioning, such as walking ability, in maintaining independence and overall health in older adults. The study utilized a four-year follow-up period to track changes in physical activity among approximately 300 community-dwelling older adults aged 75-85, utilizing combined heart rate monitoring and movement sensing for a more accurate assessment.
The findings suggest that declines in physical activity may be closely linked to age-related changes in physical functioning, and that conventional movement-based measures may not fully capture these changes.
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