This is how many steps you need to take daily to extend your life. Scientists have revealed the exact number

One of the challenges of modern times is the lack of physical activity and spending too much time sitting. This is due not only to our habits but also the type of work we do and certain societal demands. As a result, there are many calls for exercise and other forms of movement. Scientists believe that even a simple walk can help reduce the health risks associated with prolonged inactivity. They have also identified how many steps we should take each day to counterbalance the harm caused by a sedentary lifestyle and, in turn, extend our lives.

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a greater likelihood of developing cancer and type 2 diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia conducted a study that led them to conclude that we can help ourselves in a rather simple way.

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In seeking answers to how daily physical activity is linked to the risk of heart disease, they analyzed data collected from over 72,000 volunteers who are part of the UK Biobank (a massive repository of medical data on millions of people, established in 2006, tracking participants' health for at least 30 years). In this case, the data came from nearly seven years of observation. As part of the study, volunteers were asked to wear a device on their wrist for seven days that monitored their physical activity, including the number of steps taken daily and the time spent sitting.

How many steps should we take each day?

The researchers concluded that the optimal number is between 9,000 and 10,000 steps per day. This level of activity helps counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21 percent and mortality risk by 39 percent.

Moreover, it was noted that the more steps the participants took each day, the lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and even premature death, regardless of how much time they spent sitting. Therefore, even those who spend many hours at a desk can mitigate the harmful effects of physical inactivity by taking more steps each day. The study also found that, regardless of whether a person leads a sedentary or active lifestyle, the first health benefits appear at around 4,000 to 4,500 steps per day, though the most optimal range remains between 9,000 and 10,000 steps.

This is an important public health message - it turns out that any movement matters, and people can and should try to offset the health consequences of an inevitably sedentary lifestyle by increasing their daily step count

- said the study's authors. The results were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.