The magic number of 10,000 steps per day has dominated physical activity advice for decades. Now, however, a new search proposes what much fewer steps may be enough for a life healthier and longer.
The research looked at the walking habits and general health of more than a million people in the UK and South Africa over a decade. The study was carried out by the insurance company Vitalityin collaboration with the London School of Economics.
The researchers found that walk just 5,000 stepsthree days a week, can increase life expectancy by three years.
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New research reveals that walking 5,000 steps can increase life expectancy by three years
Particularly significant benefits for the elderly
While the positive impacts of walking more were evident across all age groups, the older people benefited more.
Individuals over the age of 65 who walked more than 7,500 steps three times a week were at least 52% less likely to die prematurely.
The benefit was significantly greater than the 38% seen in those aged 45 to 65 and the 27% reduction for the general population.
Increase life expectancy by maintaining the habit
The research, therefore, showed that maintaining the habit of walking was essential to keeping people in good health.
Walk at least 5,000 steps three times a week for two years can increase life expectancy in 2.5 years To the men. AND three years to the women.
Even more, those who can maintain a habit of 10,000 steps three times a week for three years can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 41%.
If the number of walks is increased to four or more times a week, the chance of developing the disease drops even further, by 57%.
“Successful habit-based interventions can extend life expectancy, (…) improve productivity and help address the significant long-term challenges posed by mental health, social isolation and non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes ,” said Professor Joan Costa-Font of the London School of Economics.
