This type of walking is better for healthy aging, according to a new study

Key Points:

• A recent study found that high-intensity walking, defined as walking at 70% of maximum heart rate, is more effective than casual-speed walking in improving frailty among prefrail and frail adults.
• Participants engaged in three supervised walking sessions per week for 16 weeks, with 69.6% of the high-intensity group showing improvement in at least one frailty measure compared to 46.4% in the casual-speed group.
• Frailty was assessed using the SHARE-FI index, which includes measures such as self-reported fatigue, appetite loss, grip strength, functional ability, and frequency of daily tasks.
• The study emphasizes that physical activity, especially at higher intensities, can protect against and even reverse frailty in older adults through increased physiological benefits.
• For those interested in starting high-intensity walking, beginner workouts alternating brisk and easy walking are recommended, and heart rate monitoring via fitness trackers or smartwatches can help maintain the target intensity safely.