Walk Your Way to a Longer Life: Simple Steps to Dodge Disease and Boost Health!

Walking is undoubtedly one of the simplest ways to boost health and extend life expectancy. Many studies have supported the notion that walking can have a plethora of health benefits while also being an enjoyable and accessible activity for people of all ages. So, let’s take a closer look at the compelling evidence suggesting that walking can significantly improve health and wellbeing.

Substantial Reduction in Early Death Risk

One study from Japan, involving 1,239 participants, demonstrated that for people who walked at least two hours a day, their risk of premature death from any cause was reduced by a staggering 51 percent. The fact that some daily walking could reduce the risk of an early death by this extent shouldn’t be ignored.

Walking Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Researchers at University College London discovered that people who regularly walk have a 48 percent lower risk of coronary events, such as heart problems. Furthermore, those who walk more vigorously can reduce this risk by an impressive 66 percent. Evidently, brisk walking can have a profound effect on heart health.

Improved Mobility and Joint Function

A study conducted at Boston University found that people who walked at least 6,000 steps a day could protect themselves from developing severe osteoarthritis, the kind that causes mobility issues and makes it difficult to climb stairs or get out of a chair. Clearly, incorporating walking into one’s daily routine can help maintain joint mobility, improve physical function, and avoid mobility issues in later life.

Better Overall Health As You Age

There is a strong correlation between walking speed and overall health in our later years. Those who walk at a brisk pace are 65 percent more likely to maintain optimal physical function as they age. Research also suggests that consistent walking is linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and various other ailments. On the contrary, the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes is significantly increased by up to 66 percent if a person doesn’t walk regularly.

Walking: An Easy, Accessible, and Enjoyable Remedy

Unfortunately, only about 5 percent of people get enough exercise as they grow older. Walking, however, is an enjoyable, accessible activity that can be incorporated into our daily lives with little effort. To successfully implement and maintain this habit, socializing while walking is recommended. Studies, such as one conducted at Rutgers University, suggest walking with friends and comparing experiences and outcomes can be highly beneficial and enjoyable.

The Role of Technology in Encouraging Walking

Technology, such as digital fitness trackers, may help encourage people to walk more. Finding a suitable device to track your steps and heart rate, such as the Fitbit, Microsoft Fit, Garmin Vivo, Jawbone Up, or Withings Pulse, can be highly motivating. These devices easily highlight current activity levels and may serve as a useful tool to prompt people to walk more, ultimately leading to improved health and wellbeing.

Incorporating walking into our daily lives continues to prove highly beneficial for overall health and longevity. You don’t need to be a fitness enthusiast to take advantage of these benefits. All it takes is a walk at a pace that is comfortable for you, but eventually working toward walking more briskly as you progress. Thanks to many studies and the development of technology like fitness trackers, it’s now evident that something as simple as walking can dramatically improve both physical and mental health. So, lace up some comfortable shoes, grab a friend, and start experiencing the incredible benefits of walking.