# Just 5,700 Daily Steps Cut Death Risk By 13% In Older Adults

*Walking and Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Review
- **Journal**: American journal of health promotion : AJHP
- **Sample Size**: 367,843 older adults across 46 studies
- **Authors**: Shah S, Chen Y, Owen A, Ekegren C, Talic S, Ilic D, Gasevic D
- **Published**: 2026-05-12
- **Topics**: walking, longevity, exercise
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171261438402
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42117327/

## Summary

Looking at dozens of studies with over 367,000 older adults, regular walking was tied to lower risk of death, disease, and cognitive decline. Each extra 1,000 daily steps was linked to a 13% drop in death from any cause. Walking pace did not change the benefit, so slow walks counted too.

## Practical Takeaway

This research suggests adding even a thousand more daily steps may meaningfully lower mortality risk in older adults.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/just-5-700-daily-steps-cut-death-risk-by-13-in-older-adults · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-05-12_