Perhaps you’ve heard that 10,000 steps per day is optimal for healthspan. New research suggests that 6,000 steps may be enough for reducing the risk of heart-related events, for older adults. 

Study Summary

This new research, analyzed eight prospective studies including 20,152 adults participants, finding that: 

• Older adults walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps daily have a 40-50% reduction in the risk for heart-related events, including both heart attack and stroke, when compared to those walking 2,000 steps per day. 

The Hearty Take 

While researchers were quick to acknowledge that there are additional benefits for those walking more than 6,000 steps per day, this study serves to suggest that even 6,000 steps per day comes with healthspan benefits. It is important to encourage your loved ones to take those steps and that any amount counts, preferably 6,000+.