As we age, it becomes increasingly important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough exercise is a key part of that, and one of the best ways to do that is by walking.

But do you know just how beneficial taking daily steps can be for your long-term health? Here are some surprising facts about steps and longevity that you may not have known before.

1. The More You Walk, the Longer You Live

It’s no secret that regular exercise can help you live a longer, healthier life.

But how much walking is enough? According to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, people who walked for at least six hours per week had a 39% lower risk of premature death compared to those who were sedentary. Even just walking for 20-25 minutes per day can have a significant impact on your overall health and longevity.

2. Walking Can Help Lower Your Risk of Chronic Diseases

In addition to helping you live longer, regular walking can also help lower your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

According to the American Heart Association, walking for just 30 minutes a day can lower your risk of heart disease by up to 40%. Walking can also improve your blood sugar control and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 60%. Finally, studies have shown that walking can help reduce your risk of various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancer.

3. Walking Can Help Preserve Your Cognitive Function

As we age, our cognitive function naturally begins to decline. However, regular walking can help slow down this process and may even help preserve your cognitive function.

One study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who walked regularly had less cognitive decline and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who were sedentary.

4. Walking Can Improve Your Mood and Reduce Stress

Walking is not only good for your physical health but your mental health as well. Studies have shown that walking can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

This is because walking triggers the release of various feel-good chemicals in your brain, including endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

5. Walking Can Help You Sleep Better

If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep problems, adding more walking to your daily routine may help. Research has shown that regular exercise, including walking, can improve the quality of your sleep and help you fall asleep more easily.

Additionally, getting more sunlight by walking outside during the day can help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, which can also improve your sleep.

6. Walking Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight

Regular walking can also help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if needed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, walking for just 30 minutes a day can help you burn up to 150 calories.

If you’re looking to lose weight, increasing the duration or intensity of your walking can help you achieve your goals.

7. Walking Barefoot Can Have Additional Health Benefits

While walking in shoes is generally recommended for comfort and safety, walking barefoot can have additional health benefits.

Walking barefoot can help strengthen your foot muscles and improve your balance, which can reduce your risk of falls and other injuries. Additionally, walking barefoot can help improve your posture and alleviate foot pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Finally, walking can be more fun and enjoyable when you do it with others. Walking with friends or family can help motivate you to keep walking and provide a social aspect to your exercise routine.

Joining a walking group or participating in a walking event such as a charity walk can also help you meet new people and make new friends.

Conclusion

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, yet it has numerous health benefits that can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, mental health or simply enjoy the outdoors, walking can be a great way to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.