Aging Rewrites the Way We Walk: Balance Trumps Speed
TL;DR Summary
A 2026 study of 107 adults aged 26–86 found that aging shifts walking strategy from efficiency to safety: the ankle and surrounding muscles show more co-contraction, increasing joint stiffness to improve balance, but reducing forward push-off, shortening strides and slowing walking, which makes tasks feel more tiring and raises fall risk. The researchers suggest training that targets balance and coordination—not just strength—to help older adults stay mobile, with activities like tai chi and lower-leg strengthening recommended.
- Scientists Uncover Why Walking Gets Slower and More Exhausting As We Age SciTechDaily
- Here’s Why Our Walking Gets Slower as We Age Nautilus | Science
- Stability over speed: How ageing changes the way we walk The West Australian
- I had my walking analysed – and discovered how fast I’m ageing The i Paper
- Your Ankles Are Changing How You Walk As You Age, Study Finds StudyFinds
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