Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Aug 8: If you want to live longer and healthier, it may be time to pick up your pace — quite literally. A new study has found that walking briskly, even for a short duration daily, can significantly reduce the risk of early death, making it one of the simplest and most effective habits for overall well-being.

Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study analysed data from 79,856 individuals, predominantly from low-income and Black communities across 12 southeastern US states. Researchers discovered that those who engaged in fast walking for as little as 15 minutes a day enjoyed nearly a 20% reduction in overall mortality. In contrast, walking slowly for more than three hours daily offered only a modest benefit.

“Our findings show that a brisk pace, not just the act of walking, plays a crucial role in reducing mortality. The benefits remained strong even after accounting for other lifestyle factors,” said lead investigator Dr Wei Zheng. The protective effect of fast walking was especially significant in reducing deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases.

Why brisk walking works wonders

• Boosts Heart Efficiency: Fast walking acts as an aerobic exercise, improving cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and the efficiency of the heart’s pumping action.

• Cuts Risk Factors for Heart Disease: It helps manage body weight, reduce obesity, control blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

• Accessible for All: As a low-impact activity, it can be adapted to any lifestyle, regardless of age or fitness level.

Lead author Lili Liu urged public health bodies to promote fast walking through community-based initiatives. “People should incorporate more intense physical activities into their routines — brisk walking is an easy and effective start,” Liu said.

The message from longevity experts is clear: slow and steady may win some races, but when it comes to health and longevity, a brisk pace might just be the key to a longer, healthier life