The recommended number of steps you should take daily varies by age and health goals, but generally:
- Most adults are advised to aim for about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day for good health and longevity
- Adults aged 60 and older may benefit from a slightly lower target of 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day
- For weight loss or increased fitness, increasing step count and walking intensity can be helpful, with some guidance suggesting up to 13,000 steps for those under 60 years old
- Even fewer steps, such as 4,000 to 5,000 per day, can start to reduce the risk of premature death and improve cardiovascular health, especially for less active individuals
Health benefits increase progressively with more steps, and every additional 1,000 steps per day can significantly reduce mortality risk regardless of walking intensity
. Consistency is key, so gradually increasing your daily steps and maintaining regular movement throughout the day is more important than hitting a fixed number immediately
. In summary, aiming for 7,000 to 10,000 steps daily is a good general target, adjusting downwards slightly with age or health conditions, and even smaller step counts still provide meaningful health benefits.