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Harvard Study Reveals Walking Pace to Extend Lifespan
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Firstpost•05-10-2026, 14:28
Harvard Study Reveals Walking Pace to Extend Lifespan
- •A recent Harvard-reviewed study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights walking as a key habit to add years to your life.
- •Researchers analyzed data from over 64000 participants and found that maintaining a brisk pace of 90 to 100 steps per minute for 30 minutes daily boosts longevity.
- •Intensity matters significantly; individuals walking fewer steps at a swift tempo experienced reduced risks of death matching those who walked much slower for longer distances.
- •Quickening your pace serves as a powerful alternative for those with limited time, offering substantial cardiovascular and survival benefits without requiring expensive equipment.
Key Questions Answered
According to the Harvard study published on September 8, 2026, maintaining a brisk pace of at least 90 to 100 steps per minute for 30 minutes a day is a recommended target for longevity.
Individuals logging fewer than 5,000 steps daily at a swift, energetic tempo experienced a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other causes, matching the protective benefits of walking 5,000 to 7,500 steps at a slower cadence.
The study analyzed health tracking data from 64,743 UK Biobank participants with an average age of 62, who wore wrist activity monitors for up to a week and were followed for roughly eight years.
