Walking has always been suggested as an easy exercise for weight loss and adopting a healthier lifestyle. But did you know that it can also extend your lifespan?
New research has found that middle-aged individuals who walk around 7,000 steps a day are found to have longer lives!
This study that was published in the JAMA Network Open journal was led by Amanda Paluch, an assistant professor in the kinesiology department of the University of Massachusetts. The study found that middle-aged individuals who walk for around 7,000 steps per day have a 50 to 70% lower risk of death from multiple types of disease compared to those who walk less.
This research was done on both middle-aged men and women. The same research revealed that walking faster would not give better results and the number of steps taken per minute does not affect the death risk.
“7,000 steps per day may be a great goal for many individuals who are currently not achieving this amount.”
United Press International (UPI) also states that Dr Guy Mintz, Northwell Health’s director of cardiovascular health at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in New York, found the research to be interesting.
“There’s no need to join a gym, no need to purchase equipment, just start walking.”
However, the research does not explain how walking would be able to extend one’s lifespan. “But, exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases as it improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight,” emphasised Dr Mintz.
A clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Dr Michael Massomi, advised individuals who are not used to walking so much to just focus on walking more than they did the previous day.
“If you get less than 5,000 steps a day, try to increase it to 6,000 in the next few weeks.”
Don’t forget also to eat a balanced and healthy diet!
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