How quickly older adults can take a step may predict longevity

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have found that how quickly an older adult can execute a voluntary step—especially when distracted (concurrently performed cognitive task)—may serve as a valuable clinical predictor of survival. The exploratory study suggests that dynamic balance assessments capture an integration of neuromuscular vitality and central cognitive processing, offering a window into an individual's long-term functional health.