7,000 Steps a Day Cuts Risk of Early Death by 47%

A major global review of 57 studies shows that 7,000 steps per day slashes the risk of dying early by nearly half, as well as producing major benefits in heart health, dementia, depression, and other areas.

The University of Sydney study examined the impact that different daily step counts have on the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease and cancer, and developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia and depression.

The researchers found that walking 7,000 steps a day provides similar health benefits as walking 10,000.

However, for those who struggle to achieve this, even 2,000 to 4,000 steps per day brings measurable health improvements.

When compared with 2,000 steps a day, researchers found that:

• Walking 7,000 steps a day reduced the risk of death by 47 percent, which was almost identical to the benefit seen at walking 10,000 steps per day.
• Dementia risk dropped by 38 percent from walking 7,000 steps a day, with only a 7 percent extra reduction at 10,000 steps.
• Risk of type 2 diabetes fell by 22 percent from walking 10,000 steps a day and reduced to 27 percent at 12,000 steps.
• Significant health improvements were seen when people increased their average daily steps from 2,000 to between 5,000 and 7,000 steps.

For further information about this study, click here.

(Walking can also be very beneficial for constipation and many types of back pain, particularly when walking over uneven ground so that all of the lower back and abdominal muscles are used.)