Meta-analysis2011 · JAMA · Studenski S et al.
Studenski: gait speed as the “sixth vital sign” of survival
Who, how long
34,485 community-dwelling adults 65+, 9 cohorts, 6–21 years of follow-up
What they found
Every +0.1 m/s of gait speed meant 12% lower mortality. Above 0.8 m/s life expectancy reaches the average, above 1.2 it exceeds it; gait speed predicted survival as well as age, sex and chronic diseases combined — measurable in a 4-metre corridor.
⚠ Caveat
Slow walking may signal illness rather than cause it — but interventional trials (strength training) improve both speed and survival.
Related in the knowledge base
Last reviewed: 6 September 2026
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