Should We Walk Like Penguins? How Age Affects Your Stride

Summary

Areas of Science

Human Biology & Health
Sports Science
Mechanical Engineering

Difficulty

Method

Scientific Method

Time Required

Short (2-5 days)

Cost

Very Low (under $20)

Safety

No issues

Credits

Renee Sample, PhD, Science Buddies

Science Buddies is committed to creating content authored by scientists and educators. Learn more about our process and how we use AI.

Image Credit: Hans / Pixabay Content License

Abstract

Watch out for that ice! When winter weather makes sidewalks icy, many people slip and fall. One tip doctors give is to walk like a penguin. That means pointing your feet slightly outward, keeping your center of gravity over your feet, and taking short, careful steps. Research has shown that these changes in stride and posture help people stay stable and avoid falls. These tips are especially helpful for older adults, who are more at risk of falling due to a decline in their balance as they age. 

But exactly how does your walking style—like your stride length, stride width, or the angles of your feet—change over time as we age? In this project, you can compare walking styles with different stride characteristics to see how age may change your stride. Do we naturally have wider strides when we’re younger that narrow as we age?

You can explore various measurable traits like how long a stride is, how far apart your feet are when you walk (stride width), how frequent your steps are or how angled your feet are outward for family and friends of different ages. Recruit family, friends, grandparents to learn more about biomechanics, balance, and how small changes in our stride occur as we age.

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Global Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

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