Differences in physical aging measured by walking speed: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physical functioning and mobility of older populations are of increasing interest when populations are aging. Lower body functioning such as walking is a fundamental part of many actions in daily life. Limitations in mobility threaten independent living as well as quality of life in old age. In this study we examine differences in physical aging and convert those differences into the everyday measure of single years of age.

Methods

We use the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which was collected biennially between 2002 and 2012. Data on physical performance, health as well as information on economics and demographics of participants were collected. Lower body performance was assessed with two timed walks at normal pace each of 8 ft (2.4 m) of survey participan

SUBMITTER: Weber D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4731975 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature