Although walking is something we do every day, we generally don’t notice the impact it has on our bodies and minds. Some people walked very fast, as if there was an urgent force driving them forward, while some people walked slowly, enjoying the scenery and atmosphere along the way. For example, I belong to the former group. I usually don’t take my time when I go out, but I feel that I am still quite healthy. I have not been to the hospital a few times since I was a child.
Based on various information and my own experience, although it is not absolute, I think there is actually a certain relationship between walking speed and health. So the following is my understanding of the relationship between walking speed and health and longevity, as well as the benefits of regular walking. Let’s take a look?
1. The reasons why walking speed is related to health and longevity:
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People who walk faster generally have stronger heart functions, resulting in smoother blood circulation, which can effectively prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and extend life span. However, some people who walk slowly are those with weak heart function, which usually leads to poor blood circulation, making them prone to fatal diseases such as heart disease and stroke, and shortening their life span.
A study published in the European Heart Journal showed that people who walk fast live longer than people who walk slowly, with the average life expectancy being about 15 years longer. Women who walk fast live 15 years longer than women who walk slowly; men who walk fast live 20 years longer than men who walk slowly. This conclusion also found that walking speed significantly affects health and lifespan! Therefore, most people who walk quickly can not only catch the bus, but also catch the last train of life!
People who walk fast usually have more active brain functions, higher cognitive abilities and memory, and can effectively prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. People who walk slowly have lower brain function, correspondingly poor cognitive ability and memory, and are prone to neurological diseases such as brain atrophy.
Data show that researchers from the National Institute of Health Research at the University of Leicester in the UK studied the genetic data of more than 40,000 British Biobank volunteers and confirmed that there is a correlation between walking speed and the length of white blood cell telomeres. The length of white blood cell telomeres in people who walk fast decreases slowly, while those who walk slowly decrease in length faster. The longer the telomere length, the more times the cell replicates and the longer its life span. Therefore, people who walk quickly not only have much better memory, but also can solve most of the problems in life!
People who walk faster will have a more positive emotional state, less psychological stress, and a higher quality of life. This can effectively prevent depression, anxiety and other psychological problems and keep your mind happy! However, people who walk slowly usually have a more negative emotional state and greater psychological pressure, which makes them prone to depression, anxiety and other psychological problems, which affects their spiritual well-being.
According to a study conducted by Wrights University in the UK involving 500,000 middle-aged and elderly people in the UK with a follow-up period of 7 years, participants with the slowest gait aged more than those with the fastest gait. Almost 5 years old. Additionally, the faces of adults with slow gaits were rated as looking older. This study also shows that there is a 15-year lifespan difference between people who walk quickly and those who walk slowly! Therefore, people who walk fast can not only have a good mood, but also have a beautiful face!
2. Benefits of regular walking:
①: First of all, it is definitely able to enhance heart function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. After all, walking can make the heart beat slowly and forcefully, reduce the formation of blood clots, eliminate symptoms of cardiac ischemia or lower blood pressure. This way, your heart will be healthier and more energetic. Moreover, walking can also save money, as you don’t have to spend a lot of money to see a doctor or take medicine. You say, doesn’t this kill two birds with one stone?
②: Secondly, walking can reduce excess fat in the body and maintain a well-proportioned and toned body. The principle is similar to running. It can promote metabolism, consume calories, and reduce the accumulation of abdominal fat. If you want to exercise and lose weight, walking is a simple and effective way. But you should also pay attention to the speed and time of walking. Don't walk too fast or too slow, nor walk too long or too short. In addition, walking can also protect joints and reduce friction and damage to bones and muscles. If you keep at it, you will have such a good figure.
③: Furthermore, walking can also enhance memory and vision and delay aging. As we age, memory and vision deteriorate. But walking can promote blood circulation in the brain and increase the activity and metabolism of nerve cells.
You can also expose your eyes to natural light, observe different scenery near and far, and exercise your eyes' adjustment ability. Over time, your memory and vision will become better and clearer. In addition, walking can also enhance digestive function and promote gastrointestinal motility. In this way, you can eat well and sleep well.
④: Finally, walking can also make your body and mind happy and relieve stress and depression! Imagine that you are in nature, breathing fresh air and admiring the beautiful scenery around you, then you will definitely feel relaxed. Therefore, walking regularly can increase the excitability of the nervous system, suppress depression, and make you more energetic in the future!
? Taken together, walking speed is indeed closely related to health. At the same time, the two also have their own unique benefits. For example, walking fast can help you lose weight, but walking slowly can relax you. Therefore, it is still not possible to generalize. It is recommended that different people choose the walking speed and method that suits them according to their physical conditions and purposes!
Finally, I hope the above content can be helpful to you, and I also wish you and your family good health! ?