After reaching 65 or so we are reminded with increasing frequency that “it’s all downhill from here”. Whether that turns out to be true or not, research suggests it ought to be – but in a beneficial sense. Walking has long been recognised as a way of staving off the effects of age, but now it emerges that walking downhill is particularly good for the muscles. Among them is Dr Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, chief medical advisor to online walking guide provider AllTrails, who says it is “eccentric exercise” that forces muscles to generate tension while lengthening, creating microscopic, healthy tears that trigger the body’s repair process and build lower limb strength and lean muscle mass more effectively than flat surface walking”. Just on more reason for those in the relevant sectors – whether selling hiking gear, or hotel stays in walking areas – should never forget the silver market.
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