Clinical importance of assessing walking speed in older adults in general practice

In this article, we aim to provide a strong rationale for why the assessment of walking (gait) speed of older adults should be an integral component of general practice. We suggest that by regularly assessing gait speed and using evidence-based approaches to improve gait and reduce the risk of falls,1,2 general practitioners (GPs) will be able to substantially improve patients’ physical performance outcomes, ease care burden and reduce healthcare costs.