Staying Healthy

Fast walking may lengthen your life

Research we're watching

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
  • Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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A mature woman takes a brisk walk in a park.

Researchers evaluated data from nearly 85,000 adults ages 40 to 79 (average age 51, 65% women) who took part in the Southern Community Cohort Study, which was designed to look into racial disparities in chronic diseases in underserved populations across 12 southeastern states. Participants completed a questionnaire at the study’s start that detailed their exercise habits, time spent on physical activity, walking speed, and overall health. Researchers tracked deaths among participants for the next 17 years.

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About the Author

photo of Maureen Salamon

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She began her career as a newspaper reporter and later covered health and medicine for a wide variety of websites, magazines, and hospitals. Her work has … See Full Bio
View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

photo of Toni Golen, MD

Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor

Dr. Toni Golen is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, practicing in Boston. Dr. Golen completed her residency training at George Washington University Medical Center in 1995, and is an associate professor at Harvard Medical … See Full Bio
View all posts by Toni Golen, MD
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