Scientists recommend seven thousand steps a day for a healthy life
Experts question the necessity of the 10,000-step myth, finding that 7,000 steps daily can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases
The long-held belief that 10,000 daily steps are essential for good health is now under scrutiny. A new review published in the Lancet Public Health journal suggests that walking 7,000 steps per day is effective in preventing chronic illnesses. Scientists emphasize that the popular 10,000-step goal may have originated more from marketing campaigns than scientific evidence.
Researchers from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway analyzed studies involving 160,000 adults over the past decade. Their review showed that taking at least 7,000 steps a day can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by 38 percent, while the risks of cardiovascular problems and falls decreased by 25 percent and 28 percent, respectively.
Experts stress the importance of regular, brisk walking for maintaining health. Dr. Stephanie Towns of Yale University noted that energetic walking boosts oxygen intake to the brain and improves blood circulation. Overall, the recommendation for the public is to focus on consistent, moderate activity rather than aiming for an unnecessarily high step count.
