How Many Steps Per Day for a Longer Life?
Review shows that the amount varies with age.
If you’re over 60, studies suggest that 6,000–8,000 steps per day will reduce risks of early death. For adults under 60, the longevity benefits start at 8,000–10,000 steps per day, according to a review study published in The Lancet (2022; 6 [3]. E219–22). “What we saw was this incremental reduction in risk as steps increase, until it levels off,” said Amanda Paluch, PhD, assistant professor, physical activity epidemiologist and kinesiologist at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “And the leveling occurred at different step values for older versus younger adults.”
See also: How Many Steps a Day? 4,500!
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
