Doctors already know this. Just enough steps a week to live much longer

For years, it has been believed that to stay healthy you should take 10,000 steps a day. This recommendation has become an almost universal standard, promoted by manufacturers of pedometers and fitness applications. However, the latest research sheds new light on this topic, suggesting that the real exercise needs are much smaller, especially in the case of older people.

4,000 steps are enough. Scientists provide hard data

The results published in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine and quoted by The Independent newspaper prove that even 4,000 steps a day can bring tangible health benefits. The study involved over 13,000 women aged around 72 who wore step counting devices for a week and were then followed for almost 11 years.

They found that women who took 4,000 steps a day, even just once or twice a week, had a 26 percent lower risk of death from any cause and a 27 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to sedentary people.

You don't have to march every day. Something else matters

Importantly, researchers emphasize that the key is the total number of steps taken, not how often they are spread throughout the week. This means that even if physical activity is not daily, but the step total is adequate, the health benefits remain high.

Increasing the number of active days a week to three had even greater effects - the risk of premature death dropped by as much as 40 percent, and the risk of heart disease remained 27 percent lower. However, people who walked between 5,000 and 7,000 steps recorded a further, although smaller, decrease in the risk of death and cardiovascular diseases.

Movement without pressure. Every step matters for the heart

Experts clearly emphasize that there is no single best activity regimen. Every form of exercise is valuable and can be adapted to individual abilities. The most important thing is not to give up physical activity and strive to achieve at least 4,000 steps a day, even if this is only possible a few times a week.

The new findings of scientists are good news for people who, for various reasons, are unable to practice sports or walk for a long time every day. It's crucial to stay physically active as much as possible - even short walks a few times a week can bring significant health benefits.