AUGUST 28, 2012 WALKING SPEED

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself. - Confucius

There are many quotes about walking and even more about friends.  I like this one the best because I can learn from it. So can you...

Walking is the simplest form of exercise. In New York City there are many options - yellow cabs, buses and subways. The easiest way and most beneficial for you is to walk from one destination to the next.
We do have studies that reflect that thirty ( 30 minutes of walking), three times a week can decrease cardiovascular mortality by 38 %.

In a recent study published in Neurology (2012; 78; 1946-1952) , slower walking speed int he elderly was associated with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI)
 I found this study to be very interesting and informative. Non amnestic mild cognitive impairment was characterized by the following: 1. language impairment; 2. visuopartial impairment; 3. attention; 4. other impairments other than memory. It was a small study population, but results were consistent.
Over a period of three year follow-up, the subjects with non amnestic mild cognitive impairment naMCI) were nine times more likely to have  a SLOW average weekly walking speed

I thoguht about this . Older individuals do walk slower sometimes due to joint pain, spinal disease and most importantly, diabetes. Diabetes does accelerate the aging process. It has been studied that rapid decline in cognitive function is seen in the severe diabetic patients.

For those age 70 years and older, start to walk at a faster 'clip' or 'pace' It can save your mind....