Gait And Lifespan Poem by Paul Hartal

"What are you reading? ", asked the Octopus.

"Oh, about a hackneyed old idea that rises
as a new medical discovery. The walking speed
of old people can predict their lifespan."

"Are you serious? "


"I just read it in The Journal of American
Medicine."

"But how can walk speed predict lifespan? "

" Well, the idea is quite simple. Gait speed

is a reliable indicator of overall health
and longevity for the elderly. Walking speed
is a marker of vitality and can forecast
longevity. A geriatrist can measure
an older person's likelihood of living 5
or 10 more years."

"Quite amazing", said the Octopus.

"Yes. indeed", agreed the Porcupine.
"People with average life expectancy
walk about 0.8 meter per second."