Monitoring daily step counts can significantly impact disease risk and life expectancy, with benefits seen even at lower thresholds. The popular 10,000 steps target is not based on hard science, but various studies suggest different thresholds for health benefits, such as reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and depression.
Key Points
Different step thresholds offer various health benefits
Lower thresholds like 2,000-3,000 steps still provide advantages
Higher step counts reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and depression
Pros
Daily step counts can reduce disease risk
Improves heart health, cognitive function, and mental wellbeing
Lower thresholds like 2,000-3,000 steps per day also show benefits
Cons
Magic number of 10,000 steps is not scientifically proven