The goal of hitting 10,000 steps is considered the ultimate win for health as it is a golden rule that everyone from serious athletes to health-conscious individuals swear by.
Well, get ready for some good news because a major new study is saying we don’t need to walk quite that much to get some serious benefits. A big international review published in The Lancet Public Health looked at the habits of over 160,000 adults. And the study found that the real sweet spot might be closer to just 7,000 steps.
This more realistic goal is still incredibly effective at improving your health and lowering your risk of chronic diseases and even early death. Let’s understand how walking 7,000 steps a day is the new magic number for your overall health.
Study: Results
Lower Risk Of Early Death And Heart Disease
For those who walked about 7,000 steps a day, there was a huge payoff. They were almost 50% less likely to die from any cause including heart disease compared to people who walked less. It’s a powerful and simple way to protect your long-term health.
Lower Risk Of Dementia And Diabetes
Those who walked around 7,000 steps a day also saw some huge mental and physical health benefits. They were 38% less likely to get dementia and 14% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Plus, they reported a 22% reduction in symptoms of depression.
7,000 steps is the new daily goal for better health (Image Credits: Canva)
Falls Prevention For Seniors
Regularly walking around 7,000 steps a day also helped reduce the risk of falls by 28%. This is a huge deal as falls are a major concern for the elderly and this simple habit can make a real difference in keeping them safe and independent.
How To Achieve 7,000 Steps Walking Target?
Instead of trying to squeeze in one long walk, just break it up throughout your day. Three quick 10-minute walks can get you to that 7,000-step goal without feeling overwhelmed. Try a more active commute, maybe park a bit farther away or get off the bus one stop early. Tracking your steps with your phone or a smartwatch can keep you motivated and mixing up your routes will keep it from getting boring.