Journal article
Long-term air pollution exposure and gait speed decline among older Adults: A longitudinal analysis
Environmental research, Vol.289, 123356
01/15/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123356
PMCID: PMC13182624
PMID: 41274438
Abstract
Long-term exposure to air pollution may contribute to gait speed decline through mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiopulmonary or autonomic dysfunction. This study investigated the association of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across different time windows with changes in gait speed.
We leveraged data from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS), followed participants for up to six years (mean follow-up: 4.1 years, N = 2850). Gait speed was assessed annually at usual and maximum paces using a 15-foot timed walk test (2002–2008). Spatiotemporal prediction models estimated average PM2.5 (pre-study entry: 1980–1999; concurrent with follow-up: 2001–2007) and NO2 (pre-study entry: 1990–1999; concurrent: 2001–2007). Linear mixed-effect models were fitted, adjusting for sociodemographic and contextual covariates.
Participants’ mean age was 78.6 years (SD = 3.3); 54.3 % were male. An interquartile range (IQR, 2.19 μg/m3) increase in 20-year PM2.5 before study entry was associated with cumulative 6-year gait speed declines of 0.038 m/s (95 % CI: 0.050, −0.027) at usual pace and 0.032 m/s (95 % CI: 0.047, −0.016) at maximum pace. A 10-year NO2 IQR (6.52 ppb) increase prior to study entry was associated with 6-year gait speed declines of 0.077 m/s (95 % CI: 0.093, −0.062) at usual pace and 0.079 m/s (95 % CI: 0.101, −0.058) at maximum pace. Patterns for concurrent exposure were similar.
These findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental risk factors to preserve mobility and reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes associated with slower gait speed.
•20-year PM2.5 and 10-year NO2 exposures linked to faster gait speed decline.•1-year concurrent PM2.5 and NO2 exposures predicted steeper gait speed decline.•NO2 may be a stronger predictor of gait speed decline than PM2.5•Air pollution exposure may accelerate gait speed decline beyond normal aging.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Long-term air pollution exposure and gait speed decline among older Adults: A longitudinal analysis
- Creators
- Boeun Kim - College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USAAnjum Hajat - University of WashingtonAmanda J. Gassett - University of WashingtonClaire E. Adam - University of MontanaJoel D. Kaufman - University of WashingtonErin O. Semmens - University of MontanaCindy S. Leary - University of MontanaAnnette L. Fitzpatrick - University of Washington
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental research, Vol.289, 123356
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123356
- PMID
- 41274438
- PMCID
- PMC13182624
- NLM abbreviation
- Environ Res
- ISSN
- 0013-9351
- eISSN
- 1096-0953
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Grant note
- National Institute on Aging: DP1AG069874, NIA RF1AG057033 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Office of Dietary Supplements: U01 AT000162 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center: P50AG05133 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS): P20GM130418 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): 5T32ES015459-08 NIEHS EDGE Center: P30ES007033, RD831697, RD-83830001, RD83479601 UW Center for Clean Air ResearchUS Environmental Protection Agency
This research was supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA RF1AG057033) . Data from the parent GEMS study was supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) , and the Office of Dietary Supplements (U01 AT000162) , the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) , the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (P50AG05133) , the Roena Kuly-nych Center for Memory and Cognition Research, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In addition, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS, P20GM130418) , the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, 5T32ES015459-08) and the NIEHS EDGE Center (P30ES007033) also supported this work. Lastly, this publication was developed under a STAR research assistance agreements RD831697 (MESA Air) , RD-83830001 (MESA Air Next Stage) , and RD83479601 (UW Center for Clean Air Research) , awarded by the US Environmental Protection Agency. It has not been formally reviewed by the EPA. Kim was supported by the National Institute on Aging (DP1AG069874) .
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/15/2026
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9985035037002771
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