How fast you walk may indicate how you'll age - study

The speed at which you walk could be an indicator of how you'll age.

A new study involving more than 900 45-year-old New Zealanders found slower walkers had aging brains and bodies.

If you overtake others while walking, you are probably in the fast group. Then there's somewhere in the middle, then a glacial pace which is probably as slow as it gets. 

The study has found that those who walk slower might be aging faster.

Researchers analysed the walking speed of more than 900 participants, discovering a link between slow walkers and aging bodies and brains. They also found slow walkers had a propensity to appear older in the face.

Researchers say this link is supported by other studies showing an association between slow walking, cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia.

The study recognises that it's already known that slow walkers in their 70s and 80s tend to have poorer health outcomes than fast walkers. Given the new study analysed 45-year-olds, researchers say a slow walk can be a problem sign even at a younger age. 

Interestingly, the research also discovered signs present in early life which may indicate who will be a slow walker.

Data from when the participants were toddlers was analysed, finding those with poor language and motor skills will likely have a slower walk as they reach middle-age.

Newshub.