Walk more and live longer: now a scientific fact!

Author: dr.sc. Davor Kust, dr.med.

A new observational study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms earlier findings that walking is very beneficial for health, and shows that taking more steps during the day is associated with a longer life. Even walking at a normal pace makes a significant contribution, so it is not necessary to walk fast. The results therefore give additional weight to previous medical recommendations that we need to be less sedentary and more active during the day.

American scientists conducted a study on 4,840 adults aged 40 and over. The subjects wore step-counting devices between 2003 and 2006, and then data from death registries were analyzed in 2015. The conclusions were that people who walked 8,000 steps a day had a 51% lower risk of death (from any cause) compared to people who walked 4,000 steps a day. Furthermore, people who walked 12,000 steps a day had a 65% lower risk of death (from any cause) compared to people who walked 4,000 steps a day. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality depending on walking speed, so only the number of steps taken was important.

What is particularly interesting for cancer patients is that, in addition to reducing overall mortality (from all causes combined), a higher number of steps was also associated with a reduction in mortality from heart disease and cancer. So, if you, as a cancer patient, want to contribute to your health, be sure to walk as much as possible! General recommendations for adults are at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (such as walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. In translation, that's about 20 minutes of walking a day. If you haven't exercised for a long time, start gradually. Walking can also bring you additional benefits, such as maintaining an appropriate body weight, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving balance and coordination. It is known that prolonged sitting increases the risk of some malignant diseases, among other things, so - get moving!

You can read the full article at the link.