The Optimal Daily Steps and Pace for a Longer, Healthier Life

A new international study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that walking faster is associated with a reduced risk of death, regardless of the number of steps taken per day. Moderate-to-vigorous exercise is considered the most beneficial for cardiovascular health, and walking at a pace of around 100 steps/minute, 30 minutes a day, five days a week would meet the weekly requirements for moderate exercise for older adults. The study also found that 2,500 daily steps significantly reduced the risk of death, while 7,000 daily steps were optimal for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease events. The pandemic has led to a decrease in daily steps, and there is no such thing as too many steps, with additional risk reduction becoming marginal beyond 10,000 steps.