New study outlines step goals based on age

New research provides insights into how many steps we should take daily according to age.

Study shows daily step recommendations based on age

Recent studies suggest that the age of a person should determine their daily step goals for better health outcomes. A meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that adults over 60 benefit most from 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day, while those under 60 may gain the most from 8,000 to 10,000 steps. Surprisingly, it seems even lower step counts can also offer health benefits. Research from Johns Hopkins University found that as few as 3,867 steps can reduce the risk of premature death, while 2,337 steps may lower cardiovascular disease risk. For every additional 1,000 steps, there was a reported 15% reduction in premature death risk. The NHS recommends adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which can include walking in portions throughout the day.

This new guidance challenges the long-held 10,000-step goal that was largely a marketing creation. The findings emphasize that older adults may not need to aspire to such high targets for health benefits, which could encourage a wider demographic to incorporate walking into their daily lives. Making health recommendations more age-specific may help people prioritize realistic goals without feeling overwhelmed. With existing public health messages emphasizing regular exercise, emphasizing attainable step counts may reduce anxiety and foster a more active lifestyle across different age groups.

Highlights

Rethinking our step goals could lead to healthier lifestyles for all ages.