The study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings monitored the walking habits of almost 475,000 people, and they found participants who reported a brisk walking pace had a longer life expectancy across all levels of BMIs.
"Brisk walking" was defined by researchers as walking at least 100 steps a minute, or five kilometres an hour.
The women who walked more quickly had a life span of around 87 years - compared to the 72 years for women who walked slowly.
Meanwhile, men who walked quickly had a life span of 86 years compared to 65 years.
"We can't necessarily say (the life expectancy) is because they're walking faster," said Dr Darren Saunders from UNSW.
"It might be that people who are able to walk faster have better health in general and are fitter.
"But it still says that it may be a marker of longevity, which is fascinating."
This article originally appeared on 7News
