This is almost too logical! Researchers at the Universit̩ Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris measured the walking speed of more than 3,200 seniors aged 65 to 85 and followed their health status over the next five years.

Seniors who walked slower were 44% more likely to die during the study and three times as likely to develop cardiovascular disease than the quicker walking seniors.

Walking speed has long been an indicator of risk of future frailty and other adverse health conditions among seniors, researchers note. This new study shows for the first time a clear link between slower walking and cardiovascular disease. The report appears in the Nov 10 online edition of BMJ.

So pick up the speed if you can.