Scientists Identify The Optimal Number of Daily Steps For Longevity, And It's Not 10,000

Pons_Aelius, 9 months ago

Not surprising. The 10K steps idea was first set by a Japanese maker of pedometers as a marketing exercise with zero research to back it up.

GigglyBobble, 9 months ago

The pedometers are all so imprecise though that it showing 10k may well be 6k real steps.

bedrooms, 9 months ago

6k would be too easy to motivate buying pedometers, I guess.

LilB0kChoy, 9 months ago

Saved you a click: Per the article it’s closer To 6,000

lemonflavoured, 9 months ago

Which is what the app on my phone is based on already. I manage it most days easily by walking from the bus station to work and back, which is ~1 mile. And that doesn't include the time I'm actually at work, because I can't wear my smart watch actually in the office.

pineapplelover, 9 months ago

Damn. Guess I’m gonna die. I really gotta change my routine

Scio, 9 months ago

@pineapplelover Which way though? Increase or decrease?

Big_Boss_77, 9 months ago

You and me both, neighbor.

BilboSwaggins, 9 months ago

For adults aged 60 and older, this reduced risk topped out at around 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day. Pushing further might have other benefits, but a reduced chance of death isn't one.

The study found that those who are younger could do well to walk a little more, but there wasn't evidence that they'd necessarily live longer by walking more than 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.

As for the rate of steps, the team found volume is what really matters.

rhythmisaprancer, 9 months ago

I don't understand why they use steps. Who counts steps? It is more individualized than a distance, but my gosh, who is out there saying 4,981, 4,982, ...? I know roughly the distance of my pace and could convert.

It really sounds like we need folks to get out and do it, tho!

Hyperreality, 9 months ago

Causality.

Some people aren't unhealthy because they don't walk enough, they don't walk enough because they're unhealthy or have an underlying condition.

Someone in a coma ain't walking much, but that's not the main reason they're more likely to die sooner rather than later.