To a doctor, the way an older adult walks can reveal a lot. It can capture a snapshot of overall functioning and well-being, provide insight into a senior’s mobility and independence, and give foresight into fall risk, hospitalization, and future disability.
While walking seems to come naturally to all of us, the truth is that it is not an automated task. Walking is actually highly complex, and relies upon every single system in the body. The heart and lungs, bones, joints, muscles, nerves, and the brain and spine. The problem is that when one of these systems is weak or fails, the other systems need to work harder to compensate.
Studies using MRIs have found that the structure and function of the frontal lobes, which are responsible for many of our cognitive functions, are especially important for walking. This makes sense, in a way, as when a fairly automatic task becomes challenging, more of our mental faculties for coordination, navigation, attention, and judgment are needed. This is why brain health is important not just for cognition, but for mobility.
The trick to aging successfully is no secret. Many people have led long, healthy and active lives in their senior years, and the best bet is to follow in their footsteps. Do everything you can to make healthier decisions now. You may think it’s too late, but the best time to start a new habit is right now. Exercise both your body and your brain. Stay active and engaged. And most importantly of all, do not get discouraged.