The recommended number of steps per day varies depending on age, fitness level, and health goals, but general guidelines suggest:
- Most adults should aim for about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day for general health and fitness
- For adults aged 60 and older, a lower target of 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day is often sufficient to maintain health
- Even fewer steps—around 4,000 per day—can provide significant health benefits and reduce the risk of premature death, especially for those currently less active
- The key is to increase your steps gradually if you are currently inactive, such as adding 50 to 100 steps at a time to build up fitness
- The intensity or pace of steps is less important than the total number of steps taken throughout the day
In summary, aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily is a good target for most adults, but benefits start at lower levels, and personalized goals based on age and fitness are recommended. Consistency and gradual increases are more important than hitting a specific number immediately