Walking study links 15 minutes of daily brisk activity to lower mortality

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that walking briskly for just 15 minutes a day is associated with a significantly lower risk of premature death.

Analyzing data from nearly 85,000 adults aged 40 to 79 participating in the Southern Community Cohort Study across 12 US states, researchers tracked mortality records over a median of 16.7 years. The findings indicated that individuals who engaged in at least 15 minutes of brisk walking daily had approximately a 20% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not. In contrast, walking slowly for more than three hours a day was associated with a much smaller risk reduction of about 4%.

While the study does not guarantee a longer life, it emphasizes that physical activity intensity is a crucial factor. Regular walking can also contribute to improved cardiovascular health, better blood pressure and glucose control, maintained mobility, improved mood, and enhanced sleep quality.