The way we walk—specifically its pace and smoothness—serves as an indicator of our health and the nuances of aging.
As we age, our bodies lose mass, strength, and quality. This process, which typically begins around the age of forty, is known as sarcopenia. Simultaneously, our nervous system also undergoes “atrophy”: all nerves function less efficiently, and their numbers decrease.
Professor Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Research Center at Lancaster University in the UK, discussed the concerning trends of an aging body and their impact on walking style.
It is believed that between the ages of 20 and 60, a person loses about 0.1 percent of their neurons (nerve cells) each year, with this rate accelerating afterward. By the time a person reaches 50 to 90 years old, the brain loses approximately 150 grams of tissue.
Research has shown that walking speed at the age of 45 is a strong predictor of physical and mental health later in life. By the time a person turns 60, their walking speed noticeably declines.
A decrease in walking speed and smoothness can be early signs of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. This condition disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the musculoskeletal system, causing a person’s gait to become slower, less symmetrical, and more unsteady. Such signs may be barely noticeable in the early stages of the disease.
According to Professor Taylor, as cognitive abilities decline, a person’s stride length significantly shortens, while the time taken to complete a step increases.
As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid tripping. The muscles in the front of the shin are designed to lift the leg upward when it swings forward. With age, this mechanism often falters, leading to trips and falls.
Narrowing of the Arteries
If you experience pain in your gluteal muscles that radiates down the back of your leg and even into your calf while walking, but it disappears when you stop moving, you may have peripheral artery disease. This condition involves the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs. When you walk, the demand for oxygen in your leg muscles increases.
Due to the narrowing, the arterial blood reaching your legs cannot meet the oxygen demand. As a result, the muscles become anaerobic (lacking oxygen), leading to the production of lactic acid, which causes cramps. However, when you stop moving, the muscles require minimal oxygen, and the pain subsides.
Among the risk factors for peripheral artery disease, Adam Taylor identified smoking, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, and diabetes. A family history of vascular diseases is also a risk factor, as reported by Science Alert.
Loss of Balance
An unsteady gait and balance issues are often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, but they can also indicate a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body.
Fortunately, treating vitamin B12 deficiency with injections is relatively straightforward and well-tolerated in most cases. In some instances, simply adding foods rich in B12, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, to your diet may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms.
Inner ear problems can also be a short-term cause of balance and walking issues. Typically, these resolve on their own without treatment.
As we age, our gait inevitably becomes less smooth and effortless, noted Professor Taylor. However, if you find yourself tripping, swaying, or falling more frequently, or if walking has become more challenging, it’s important to consult a doctor.