A new study observing elderly adults found that those with exceptional gaits have a 50 percent lower risk of cognitive decline, though experts caution the finding does not guarantee these octogenarians are moving in a deliberate direction.
The findings, published Tuesday, highlight a link between physical velocity and neurological health, but lead authors were quick to temper expectations. Researchers noted that while the fast-walking subjects demonstrated remarkable lower-body mobility, the underlying methodology cannot definitively rule out the possibility that the seniors were simply being propelled by a steep incline or a strong tailwind.
While a brisk pace is certainly an encouraging metric, we must rigorously separate physical momentum from a conscious desire to reach a destination," said Dr. Elias Lin, Chief of Geriatric Ambulation at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Until we replicate these results in a controlled setting, we cannot safely conclude that these individuals aren't just fleeing a loud noise.
The CDC echoed the conservative tone, issuing updated recommendations that advise families against forcing their grandparents into full-out sprints in an attempt to medically outpace memory loss. Officials noted that the data on an 80-year-old's gait remains highly vulnerable to confounding variables, such as the sudden appearance of an aggressive neighborhood dog.
The NIH ultimately concluded with a recommended dose of caution, advising the public that anyone encountering an octogenarian moving at high speeds should maintain a safe distance and await further clinical verification before attempting to say hello.