(HealthDay News) — High blood pressure is associated with a steeper drop in the average walking speeds of seniors, a new study finds.
Major decreases in walking speed can affect a senior’s ability to remain independent and indicate possible health problems; it may also predict who will develop dementia or disabilities, the researchers said.
They tracked the walking speeds of 643 seniors over 14 years. The participants, who were 76 at the start of the study, included 350 without high blood pressure and 293 who had undiagnosed hypertension or were taking medication for the condition.
The participants were divided into three groups: those without hypertension, those whose hypertension was diagnosed and under control; and those who were diagnosed and whose hypertension was not under control.
At the start of the study, the participants’ average walking speed was 2.2 mph. During the follow-up, the walking speed of those in the two high blood pressure groups decreased 0.2 miles per hour more than those without high blood pressure — a 10 percent decline.
The decline in walking speed seemed to occur even among those whose high blood pressure was successfully treated, said Dr. Caterina Rosano, of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues.
(2 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)
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This is great unless you have bad knees or hips…then what?
You are so right, Jackie! At least we still have the faculties together that we oldies know that bad knees and hips may reduce walking speed over 14 years, and that without expensive research.
The participants were 76 (!!!) at the start of the study, which would make them 90 at the end of the study. What the hell do researchers expect of a 90-year old? 76 years + 14 years = 90 years. Right? Wrong? Who cares at that age whether the decrease is 0.2 mph? I think at 90 doing an average of 2 mph is still pretty good.
I fear the risk of dying also increases with advancing age and, although it may be an unpleasant thought, a 90-year old has a higher risk of dying than a 76-year old, regardless of how fast he/she walks.
What in the world is the point of such a study?