New Study Reveals the Right Number of Steps for a Longer Life
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Radboud University Medical Center has debunked the long-standing myth that individuals need to take 10,000 steps each day to reduce their risk of premature death. The new research suggests that the magic number is actually 7,126 steps.
Lead researcher Thijs Eijsvogels analyzed data from 12 international studies, which included more than 110,000 participants. Published in the esteemed Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study concluded that the commonly touted 10,000 steps figure was overstated.
Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that beyond 8,800 steps per day, there was no further decrease in the risk of death. In fact, the risk of cardiovascular disease did not decrease significantly beyond 7,100 steps.
It is noteworthy that the notion of 10,000 steps as a daily target was never based on scientific research. In actuality, it originated in the run-up to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo as a means to promote health and fitness among the Japanese population. Coincidentally, this was also around the same time that pedometers became widely available.
The term Manpo-kei, meaning 10,000 steps, quickly caught on and walking clubs sprouted up, enabling individuals to easily track their daily steps.
Although Eijsvogels’s research indicates that individuals may not need to strive for exactly 10,000 steps each day, he emphasizes that it should not discourage people from engaging in physical activity. Exercise offers various benefits beyond mortality and heart health. As Eijsvogels himself asserts, More steps are not worse in any case.
In conclusion, this eye-opening study challenges the long-held belief that walking 10,000 daily steps is the optimal target for reducing premature death risk. While it is reassuring to know that a slightly lower number of steps, specifically around 7,126, can be just as beneficial, it is important to remember that exercise has a multitude of advantages. So whether you take 7,126 steps or more, keeping active remains vital for overall well-being.
