On short connections

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Generally, it is a loss for the airline if they have to rebook you - your original seat flies empty, and they have to use a seat on another machine that potentially still could have been sold. Therefore, they are interested to make connections work.
Most airlines have defined MCTs ('minimum connection times') for all major airports, and they will not sell you a ticket if it goes below that connection time (even if you are young and fit, and willing to run fast - they just don't). MCTs are not typically published to the traveling public because they are complex and have many exceptions.

Obviously, if the arriving plane is a bit late, this becomes a lot more difficult. The airlines typically will have personnel on standby that directs you to your connection, gives you a ride through the airport, or even leads you through non-public shortcut corridors.

Their calculation is based on the typical person that is able to walk, not run; and on someone that needs to find the gate, and doesn't know the airport from weekly usage. However, if you consider older or even handicapped people, there are for sure people that will not be able to make it. They should contact the airline before they land (best before they start or buy the ticket), and get recommendations or help. If you just take your time, and then miss the connection, you are probably out of luck, unless you find a nice agent, or have a convincing story.

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