Over the age of 65, the faster you walk, the longer you live. This is because our default walking speed reflects the overall functioning of all our organs and body parts. If everything is working well, we walk easily, and can comfortably cover 1km in under 16 minutes. If you find that you’re slower than this, make it your goal to speed up. Of course, if you’re in a beautiful garden, stop and smell the roses. I’m referring to walking pace when we’re not bird watching or viewing paintings in an art gallery.
Conversely, several studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s breathe more quickly than those with good cognition — 17 breaths versus 13 breaths per minute — and the increase in respiratory rate could be a cause or consequence of inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain. Given that our brain needs one fifth of the oxygen we inhale, breathing slowly and deeply can enhance brain function.
Hence the title of today’s Health-e-Byte: Walk quickly but breathe slowly (not at the same time). It’s natural and desirable to get breathless while exercising.
For more ways to boost your brain, you can listen to my interview with Yvette McDonnell on Hope Radio Sydney 103.2 here.
Please share this HEB with anyone who is interested in building a better brain.
Photo credit: Walking barefoot over sand dunes on Queensland’s South Stradbroke Island definitely increased my pace — the sand was burning hot! When I reached the ocean, I immediately breathed more slowly as my feet cooled down in the lapping waves.
