the research team divided the study subjects into three step count categories — low (under 7,000), moderate (7,000 to 10,000) and high (over 10,000) — and noted the walking intensity of each group by the number of minutes spent walking at a pace of 100-plus steps. the data was then analyzed against mortality rates and medical information of all 2,110 subjects over the course of the study to determine the impact of daily step counts on longevity and overall health.
not surprisingly, the lowest step group had the highest rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension,
diabetes and premature death. what is surprising is that the data suggests 10,000 steps may be an overly ambitious goal for anyone looking to reduce their risk of chronic disease and premature death.
“adults taking at least 7,000 steps per day, compared with those taking fewer than 7,000 steps a day, had approximately 50 per cent to 70 per cent lower risk of mortality,” said the researchers.
as for those who put in the extra effort and logged 10,000 or more steps a day, no further reduction in mortality risk was realized. and, like adding extra steps, adding extra speed offered no additional boost in longevity. in other words, if a lower risk of mortality is the goal, a daily target of 7,000 to 10,000 steps is ideal, with no pressure to pick up the pace or fit more steps into your day.