The verdict is in: The faster we walk, the younger our cells and bodies are.

A first-of-its-kind study has shown a clear link between how quickly people habitually walk and the length of their telomeres – a strong measure of aging at the genetic and cellular level. Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, and the shorter they are, the less life and vitality left in cells and vice versa.

You could add years to your life with a faster pace of walking, a new study shows. (Getty Images)

For this study, scientists measured white blood-cell telomere length on 405,981 middle-aged adults, as well as their self-reported walking speeds and actual walking pace gauged through activity tracking devices they wore. The data was clear – the faster the walking speeds, the longer the study subjects’ telomeres.

Based on the totality of the data, the scientists concluded that a lifetime of habitual brisk walking makes you 16 years younger at the genetic and cellular level relative to a slower walking pace. This is remarkable! And it’s important to note given that the aging of the body’s cells is by far the single greatest risk factor for developing the chronic diseases that rob us of quality of life and kill us prematurely, including cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Past studies by these same scientists have shown that the life expectancy of “brisk walkers” – people who habitually walk at a fast pace – is up to 20 years longer than that of slow walkers.

Other ‘stunning’ rewards of walking

Along with long life, taking a brisk 30-40-minute walk most days can offer the following stunning rewards:

• A 35% reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• A 30-50% reduction in the risk of premature death.
• A 35% reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• A 30% reduction in arthritic knee pain.
• Relief from mild to moderate depression on par with prescription antidepressants.
• Significant protection from cancers of the breast, colon and uterus, along with significant improvement in the survivorship of breast, prostate and colon cancers.

Take home message: Step up your walking pace to live a healthier, longer life.

Dr. Ann Kulze is founder and CEO of Just Wellness and has a knack for breaking down the science of healthy eating and living into simple and easily digestible messages. She has been featured on “Dr. Oz,” “Oprah and Friends,” WebMD and in U.S. News & World Report. Alabama NewsCenter is publishing advice from Dr. Ann.