Ben-Gurion University study finds step speed may predict longevity in older adults -study

July 5, 2026 - 11:26

A new study from Ben-Gurion University suggests that how fast an older person walks may be a stronger predictor of longevity than traditional health markers. Researchers found that step speed, or gait velocity, could serve as a simple and reliable indicator of overall health and mortality risk in adults over 65.

The study analyzed data from thousands of older adults and tracked their walking speeds over time. Participants who maintained a faster walking pace, typically above one meter per second, showed significantly lower rates of death during the follow-up period compared to those who walked more slowly. The connection held even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, and existing medical conditions.

Scientists believe walking speed reflects the integrated function of multiple body systems, including the heart, lungs, muscles, and nervous system. A decline in step speed may signal underlying health problems that are not yet obvious through standard medical tests. The findings suggest that doctors could use a simple timed walk as a practical screening tool during routine checkups.

While medical care usually measures life expectancy through chronological age or the number of chronic illnesses, physical indicators like walking speed seem to be strong indicators of health. The researchers recommend that older adults focus on maintaining or improving their walking pace through regular physical activity, as even small increases in speed could have meaningful benefits for longevity. The study adds to growing evidence that how we move matters as much as how old we are.