Brisk Walking May Slow Biological Aging Process, Study Shows WorldHealth.net
go to original May 13, 2022

A new study of genetic data of more than 400,000 adults has revealed a clear link between walking pace and a genetic marker of biological age.

Confirming a causal link between walking pace and leucocyte telomere length (LTL) - an indicator of biological age - the Leicester-based team of researchers estimate that a lifetime of brisk walking could lead to the equivalent of 16 years younger biological age by midlife.

Researchers from the University of Leicester at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre studied genetic data from 405,981 middle-aged UK Biobank participants and found that a faster walking pace, independent of the amount of physical activity, was associated with longer telomere.

Telomeres are the 'caps' at the end of each chromosome, and hold repetitive sequences of non-coding DNA that protect the chromosome from damage, similar to the way the cap at the end of a shoelace stops it from unravelling.

Each time a cell divides, these telomeres become shorter - until a point where they become so short that the cell can no longer divide, known as 'replicative senescence.' Therefore, scientists consider LTL a strong marker for 'biological age', independent from when an individual was born.

Although the relationship between telomere length and disease is not fully understood, the build-up of these senescent cells is believed to contribute to a range of symptoms we associate with aging, such as frailty and age-related diseases.

While the physical, mental, social and health benefits of walking are well-documented, this study is one of the first of its kind to compare genetic data with both self-reported walking speeds, as well as actual measurements of movement intensity from wearable activity tracking devices worn by participants.

Read the rest at WorldHealth.net

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before making any changes to your wellness routine.

  Learn about Asilo San Juan Diego Senior Citizen Home

  Learn about La Casa de las Lunas Puerto Vallarta

  Learn about Bucerias Tercera Edad Senior Support