"The Truth About 10,000 Steps: What Science Reveals"

A study of over 72,000 people found that getting in 9,000 to 10,000 daily steps can reduce the risk of death by more than a third and lower cardiovascular disease risk by at least 20 percent. Even smaller increases in daily steps showed benefits, with the study emphasizing that any activity is good activity. Highly sedentary individuals began experiencing heart benefits starting at 4,300 steps per day, and the study suggests that increasing daily steps can offset the risks of sedentary behavior. The research also found that individuals over age 60 benefited most, and increasing daily steps by just 1,000 can reduce the risk of heart disease and death. The study recommends finding ways to increase daily steps, such as parking further away, taking the stairs, or getting off public transit a stop or two early, as even an extra 1,000 steps a day is only about 10 minutes of walking.