The analysis conducted by researchers from Harvard University showed that older women who walk at least 4,000 steps at least once a week have a 26% lower risk of premature death. Details of the study can be found in The Guardian article.
The study involved 13,547 American women over the age of 62, with an average age of 72. Participants wore fitness trackers from 2011 to 2015, and subsequent monitoring continued for over ten years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had cardiovascular or oncological diseases.
By the end of 2024, 1,765 women had died, and 781 were diagnosed with heart disease. The results showed that the risk of death from all causes for those who walked 4,000 steps one to two times a week decreased by 26%, and from cardiovascular diseases by 27%. For women who walked 4,000 steps three times a week, the risk of death from any cause decreased by 40%.
Researchers noted that the frequency of meeting the goal is not as important as the total number of steps. They emphasized that even short and regular walks can significantly contribute to disease prevention in older adults.
The scientists stressed: "There is no single 'best' way to walk. People can engage in physical activity in whatever way is convenient for them to reduce the risk of mortality and heart disease, especially among older women."
