Latest news with #frailty
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Picking up the pace on your walk helps, even for older adults
Any amount of walking is good for your health but picking up the pace has significant benefits — and it's never too late for someone to train to walk faster. In an analysis published in PLOS One earlier this month, researchers found that frail older adults who deliberately walked faster saw a meaningful improvement in the distance they could travel when instructed to walk for six minutes straight. (Frailty is an age-related syndrome that affects 5 to 17 percent of older adults and is characterized by fatigue, a loss of strength and unexplained weight loss.)
Medical News Today
22-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Boosting your walking pace by 14 steps per minute could fight frailty
As much as 24% of the global older adult population faces issues related to frailty. Past studies have shown that frailty can heighten a person's chance of developing cognitive impairment and dementia, and can also increase their fall risk.A new study has found that walking at a slightly faster speed than a person's normal pace may help improve physical function in older adults who are frail or at a high risk for frailty. Researchers have developed and tested a smartphone app designed to accurately measure walking pace, which can make it easier for older adults to increase their estimate that as much as 24% of the world's older adult population faces issues that are related to frailty — a medical condition that can increase a person's risk for functional studies show that frailty can heighten a person's risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as their fall risk. 'Falls and frailty are major threats to healthy aging,' Daniel Rubin, MD, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago Medical Center told Medical News Today.'Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, with one in four experiencing a fall each year. Frailty increases vulnerability to stressors and is linked to hospitalizations, loss of independence, falls, and even death,' Rubin is the lead author of a new study recently published in the journal PLOS One, which found that walking at a slightly faster speed than a person's normal pace may help improve physical function in older adults who are frail or at a high risk for frailty. Researchers have also developed and tested a smartphone app designed to accurately measure walking pace, which can make it easier for older adults to increase their slightly faster improves physical function in older adultsFor this study, researchers recruited 102 older adults ages 60 and older who were permanent residents in a retirement community, and were considered prefrail or participants were randomly assigned to one of two walking groups — a casual speed walking group and a high-intensity walking group. 'Walking is the most common form of exercise among older adults — it's accessible, low-cost, and adaptable to many fitness levels,' Rubin said. 'To get the most health benefits, walking should be done with enough intensity — and walking faster is one way to increase that intensity.''We wanted to see whether even frail or prefrail older adults could safely and meaningfully increase their walking speed and whether that would lead to superior improvements in physical function,' the researcher told the study's conclusion, scientists found that prefrail and frail study participants who walked slightly fast — about 14 steps per minute more than their usual pace — experienced meaningful improvements in their physical function.'This is a key finding because it shows that even modest increases in walking intensity can lead to meaningful improvements in physical function, even among frail or prefrail older adults,' Rubin explained. 'The 14-step threshold is important because it gives a clear target for older adults to increase their intensity.' 'One of the challenges of prescribing walking is to convey to the patients how much intensity they should walk,' he continued. 'Oftentimes there is the talk test, or they should walk a certain speed — 3-4 mph (miles per hour). Those are difficult for older adults to guide themselves. Here, we provide them with an objective measure that they can increase the number of steps/min that they walk to increase their intensity.'New smartphone app to accurately measure walking cadenceIn a second study published in the journal Digital Biomarkers, Rubin and his team spotlighted a clinical trial they conducted on a smartphone app they created called Walk Test, designed specifically to measure accurate walking cadence. 'We didn't necessarily trust smartphones' built-in analytics,' Rubin said in a press release. 'Instead, we built an app that uses a novel open-source method to analyze the data measured by the phone and lets us actively engage users in brief, deliberate walking tests, ensuring accurate measurement.''We wanted to make it as low-barrier as possible so it's easy for older adults to use without additional equipment. The people who need the most help are usually the least well-equipped to get started.'– Daniel Rubin, MDWhile the Walk Test app is not yet available to the public, Rubin told MNT they plan to make it publicly accessible once they secure additional funding to further develop and scale the more strategy for better fitness as we ageMNT had the opportunity to speak with Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH, a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital at Mass General Brigham, about this study. 'I viewed [this study] as informative regarding an established principle of exercise training for frail older adults, that being […] if you have individuals train an important physiologic quality at a level that approaches their maximal potential, that their physiologic potential will expand,' Bean, who was not involved in this research, told to him:'It is very informative for clinicians identifying the potential benefit of having individuals walk at a brisker pace as a means of optimizing walking. It may be an additional mode of training that should be added to other existing training modes that optimize mobility skills.' 'Frailty is an important concept in the care of aging adults,' he continued. 'It is a state reflective of a decreased capacity to recover from a significant medical event, such as a surgery, hospitalization or medical illness. It is an important early warning sign of individuals at risk for experiencing future adverse medical events, developing future disability and death over the next one to five years.''Longevity starts now'MNT also spoke to Bert Mandelbaum, MD, a sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon and co-director of the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles, about this research. 'There's a lot of information now which basically looks at the details of exercise as a robust therapeutic intervention,' Mandelbaum, who was not involved in the study, said.'And as we learn more, there's a very linear approach — a little exercise is better than no exercise, more exercise is better than less exercise, and optimal exercise is better than more exercise,' he added.'So the more we learn this, the more we learn that when you exercise more, you have greater bone density, greater density of cartilage, better balance, better mentation, better memory, [and] better motor coordination,' explained Mandelbaum. 'And so a system that really has a higher level of training, that would be my expectation to see.' 'I have a great expression — longevity starts now. And the great thing about the plasticity of our bodies, whether you're 50, 60, 80, 90, the answer is at any time, once you start to exercise, you get those benefits. Now, if you're 89 years old, you are going to get benefits, but they're not going to be as good and as incremental as if it were starting when you were 50. But the body is extraordinarily plastic […] so whatever point you start, it's going to impact longevity in a positive way.' – Bert Mandelbaum, MD
CNN
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
A monthslong turtle saga, the everything shower, celebrating Disneyland: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Increasing your walking cadence can improve your mobility, a new study found. It can also help limit the effects of frailty in older adults. Experts outline how. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. An endangered species of sea turtle shares its home on Mexico's Bagdad Beach with rocket debris from SpaceX launches. But as a small non-governmental organization races to clean up after it, one of the most powerful companies in the world says there is no risk of harm. Public media station leaders are bracing for layoffs and programming cuts after the Senate voted to approve a bill that cancels all federal funding for PBS and NPR. Stations in rural areas and smaller communities may be hit hardest. Many Americans grow up learning that Wyoming's Yellowstone was the world's first national park. But a mountain in Mongolia with a connection to Genghis Khan claims the crown. For decades, supporters of psychedelic drugs have encouraged Washington to legalize them, arguing that they can help Americans with mental health conditions. A presidential administration finally seems to agree. Influencers swear by it, encouraging the use of countless products and hours-long routines to help you feel your best. But health experts and water conservationists say the best showers can be quick and simple. Get '5 things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 🔥 Stage ablaze: A massive fire has destroyed the main stage of Belgium's world-famous Tomorrowland festival, which is set to kick off on Friday. No festival-goers were on site, but about 1,000 staff members were present and safely evacuated. Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following leg swelling Super Bowl-winning linebacker Bryan Braman dies aged 38 after battle with 'very rare form of cancer' 'Not Trump's dumping ground': Outrage over arrival of foreign US deportees in tiny African nation 🗳️ That's what the British government plans to lower the voting age to in a major overhaul of the country's democratic system. 🏰 Decades of magic: 70 years ago today, Disneyland officially opened its gates. Here's what the 'Happiest Place on Earth' looked like for its first visitors. 'This is not a fulfilling life.' Scottie Scheffler ⛳ Championship blues: The world No. 1 golfer is the favorite to win the British Open, which would put him one major title away from a historic milestone. But for him, the satisfaction of winning doesn't last long. 🎙️What song by American pop singer Connie Francis recently had a resurgence on social media thanks to a TikTok trend?A. 'Who's Sorry Now'B. 'Stupid Cupid'C. 'Pretty Little Baby'D. 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🕸️ 'Breath of fresh air': As 'Spider-Man 4' gears up for production, star Tom Holland has promised a return to form for the franchise after previous Covid-19 limitations. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: C. Francis' 1960s hit 'Pretty Little Baby' surged on the social media platform, giving it a new life for a new generation of teens. She passed away this week at age 87.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
CNN
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
A monthslong turtle saga, the everything shower, celebrating Disneyland: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Increasing your walking cadence can improve your mobility, a new study found. It can also help limit the effects of frailty in older adults. Experts outline how. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. An endangered species of sea turtle shares its home on Mexico's Bagdad Beach with rocket debris from SpaceX launches. But as a small non-governmental organization races to clean up after it, one of the most powerful companies in the world says there is no risk of harm. Public media station leaders are bracing for layoffs and programming cuts after the Senate voted to approve a bill that cancels all federal funding for PBS and NPR. Stations in rural areas and smaller communities may be hit hardest. Many Americans grow up learning that Wyoming's Yellowstone was the world's first national park. But a mountain in Mongolia with a connection to Genghis Khan claims the crown. For decades, supporters of psychedelic drugs have encouraged Washington to legalize them, arguing that they can help Americans with mental health conditions. A presidential administration finally seems to agree. Influencers swear by it, encouraging the use of countless products and hours-long routines to help you feel your best. But health experts and water conservationists say the best showers can be quick and simple. Get '5 things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 🔥 Stage ablaze: A massive fire has destroyed the main stage of Belgium's world-famous Tomorrowland festival, which is set to kick off on Friday. No festival-goers were on site, but about 1,000 staff members were present and safely evacuated. Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following leg swelling Super Bowl-winning linebacker Bryan Braman dies aged 38 after battle with 'very rare form of cancer' 'Not Trump's dumping ground': Outrage over arrival of foreign US deportees in tiny African nation 🗳️ That's what the British government plans to lower the voting age to in a major overhaul of the country's democratic system. 🏰 Decades of magic: 70 years ago today, Disneyland officially opened its gates. Here's what the 'Happiest Place on Earth' looked like for its first visitors. 'This is not a fulfilling life.' Scottie Scheffler ⛳ Championship blues: The world No. 1 golfer is the favorite to win the British Open, which would put him one major title away from a historic milestone. But for him, the satisfaction of winning doesn't last long. 🎙️What song by American pop singer Connie Francis recently had a resurgence on social media thanks to a TikTok trend?A. 'Who's Sorry Now'B. 'Stupid Cupid'C. 'Pretty Little Baby'D. 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🕸️ 'Breath of fresh air': As 'Spider-Man 4' gears up for production, star Tom Holland has promised a return to form for the franchise after previous Covid-19 limitations. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: C. Francis' 1960s hit 'Pretty Little Baby' surged on the social media platform, giving it a new life for a new generation of teens. She passed away this week at age 87.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
CNN
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
A monthslong turtle saga, the everything shower, celebrating Disneyland: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Increasing your walking cadence can improve your mobility, a new study found. It can also help limit the effects of frailty in older adults. Experts outline how. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. An endangered species of sea turtle shares its home on Mexico's Bagdad Beach with rocket debris from SpaceX launches. But as a small non-governmental organization races to clean up after it, one of the most powerful companies in the world says there is no risk of harm. Public media station leaders are bracing for layoffs and programming cuts after the Senate voted to approve a bill that cancels all federal funding for PBS and NPR. Stations in rural areas and smaller communities may be hit hardest. Many Americans grow up learning that Wyoming's Yellowstone was the world's first national park. But a mountain in Mongolia with a connection to Genghis Khan claims the crown. For decades, supporters of psychedelic drugs have encouraged Washington to legalize them, arguing that they can help Americans with mental health conditions. A presidential administration finally seems to agree. Influencers swear by it, encouraging the use of countless products and hours-long routines to help you feel your best. But health experts and water conservationists say the best showers can be quick and simple. Get '5 things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 🔥 Stage ablaze: A massive fire has destroyed the main stage of Belgium's world-famous Tomorrowland festival, which is set to kick off on Friday. No festival-goers were on site, but about 1,000 staff members were present and safely evacuated. Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following leg swelling Super Bowl-winning linebacker Bryan Braman dies aged 38 after battle with 'very rare form of cancer' 'Not Trump's dumping ground': Outrage over arrival of foreign US deportees in tiny African nation 🗳️ That's what the British government plans to lower the voting age to in a major overhaul of the country's democratic system. 🏰 Decades of magic: 70 years ago today, Disneyland officially opened its gates. Here's what the 'Happiest Place on Earth' looked like for its first visitors. 'This is not a fulfilling life.' Scottie Scheffler ⛳ Championship blues: The world No. 1 golfer is the favorite to win the British Open, which would put him one major title away from a historic milestone. But for him, the satisfaction of winning doesn't last long. 🎙️What song by American pop singer Connie Francis recently had a resurgence on social media thanks to a TikTok trend?A. 'Who's Sorry Now'B. 'Stupid Cupid'C. 'Pretty Little Baby'D. 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🕸️ 'Breath of fresh air': As 'Spider-Man 4' gears up for production, star Tom Holland has promised a return to form for the franchise after previous Covid-19 limitations. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: C. Francis' 1960s hit 'Pretty Little Baby' surged on the social media platform, giving it a new life for a new generation of teens. She passed away this week at age 87.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
