Poster Sessions

Epi-8

Magdalena Tolea

M. I. Tolea, P. T. Costa, A. Terracciano, M. Griswold, E. M. Simonsick, S. S. Najjar, A. Scuteri, B. Deiana, M. Orru, M. Masala, M. Uda, D. Schlessinger, L. Ferrucci

Sex-specific correlates of walking speed over the lifespan

Background and goal: Gaps still remain in our understanding of patterns of decline in walking speed over the lifespan and the factors affecting these patterns. Our research goal was to: 1) explore correlates of walking speed in a large, wide age-ranged population and 2) identify modulators of the age-related downward trajectory of walking speed over the lifespan. Results: Independent correlates of faster walking speed included taller stature and greater handgrip strength (both sex groups); smaller waist circumference, higher openness, extraversion and HDL, and absence of co-morbidity (women); and lower neuroticism and agreeableness and higher conscientiousness (men). We identified two modulators of the age-walking speed relationship in each sex group: extraversion and education in women, and openness and waist circumferences in men. Conclusions: Correlates of walking speed are generally similar in early and late life. The association between personality and walking speed and its modulating effect on the age-related downward trajectory in walking speed suggest that certain personality traits may be associated with behaviors that affect physical performance and other health outcomes. The causal pathway between personality and changes in physical capacity over the lifespan should be a priority for future research.