A new study shows walking at a faster pace daily increases cancer survivors’ chances of living longer.
The study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention examined the walking paces and mobility of more than 233,000 former cancer patients between the ages of 50 and 71 for several years.
“Those who walked at the slowest pace had more than twofold increased risk of death from any cause, compared with those reporting the fastest walking pace,” wrote the researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the University of North Carolina, George Washington University and the National Cancer Institute.
Meanwhile, another study from the Mayo Clinic shows similar results:
Researchers reported that women who walked more quickly had a life span of about 87 years compared to 72 years for women who walked slowly.
Men who walked quickly had a life span of about 86 years compared to 65 years for men who walked more slowly.
That’s a 15-year average difference for women and a 20-year average difference for men.
“What this tells me is if you’re walking faster, you’re doing a very low-intensity form of cardio, and if done on a regular basis, it will strengthen and condition your heart. So, whether you’re overweight or in shape, fast walking does have positive physical effects on your body and life expectancy,” Jamie Hickey, a certified personal trainer, and nutritionist at Truism Fitness, told Healthline.
Apart from walking fast, experts also recommend the following tips:
Wear the right shoes.
Watch your posture.
Swing your arms.
Take faster — not longer — steps to increase speed.
Try hills to build strength and burn calories.
Use poles to work your upper body.
