‘Super movers’ are speed walking their way to better brain health | CNN

I hope I can continue to walk fast heading into my 80s. Now, I’m learning that continuing that habit could help my brain health. Researchers have studied “SuperAgers,” older adults whose memories remain exceptionally sharp. Now, scientists are looking at another group: “super movers,” people in their 80s who walk significantly faster than their peers. Faster-than-normal walkers were substantially less likely to develop cognitive impairment, according to a new study published on July 14 in the journal Neurology. What might explain the connection between walking speed and brain health, and can the rest of us learn to move better as we age? To help us understand the research and what people can do to optimize their physical and cognitive health, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. She is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University who previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What exactly are “super movers,” and what did this study find about their cognitive health? Dr. Leana Wen: The researchers defined super movers as people 80 and older whose walking speed was at least 1.5 standard deviations a