Why walking slows with age

Getting older is a natural part of life and it cannot be stopped. But have you ever noticed that people often walk more slowly and feel tired more quickly as they age? A new study may explain why this happens.

Researchers from Flinders University and the University of Canberra in Australia studied how walking changes with age.  They found that as people get older the body starts to focus more on safety and balance than on walking speed.

The study included 107 healthy people between 26 and 86 years old. Researchers examined how their bodies moved while walking. They found that movement around the ankles and other muscles changes with age.

The ankle muscles play an important role in keeping the body balanced and helping people move forward. As people age the body appears to use more muscle effort to stay stable and upright.

Older adults may move the muscles around their ankles in a way that makes the ankle joints stiffer.  This can improve balance and reduce the risk of losing stability.

However there is a downside. Using the muscles this way requires more effort which can make older people feel tired sooner and walk more  slowly.

Researchers believe that the nervous system also becomes more focused on preventing falls and maintaining stability with age. The good news is that regular physical activity can help maintain movement and muscle strength.

Exercises that improve balance and strengthen the muscles may help older adults stay active and move more confidently.