A global study reveals that daily walking significantly contributes to longevity. Researchers found that even a modest amount of walking, around 4,000 steps a day, can reduce the risk of death from any cause. Walking just over 2,300 steps daily lowers the risk of dying from heart disease.
The study, involving 226,889 participants across 17 global studies, indicates that the benefits of walking increase with more steps. Adding 1,000 steps daily reduces the risk of death by 15%, while adding 500 steps lowers the risk of cardiovascular death by 7%. These benefits apply to all ages and genders worldwide.
The research highlights the importance of physical activity, as the World Health Organization reports that over a quarter of the global population is insufficiently active. For those over 60, 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of early death by 42%. Younger individuals benefit from 7,000 to 13,000 steps, reducing their risk by 49%. Walking is a simple yet powerful tool for improving health and extending lifespan.