Meta-analysis2022 · Lancet Public Health · Paluch AE et al.
Paluch: 15 cohorts — the step-count benefit peaks at 6,000–8,000 after 60
Who, how long
47,471 adults from 15 international cohorts, device-measured steps, median 7 years of follow-up
What they found
The top quarter of steppers had 40–53% lower mortality than the bottom. Benefit plateaus at 6,000–8,000 steps over 60 and 8,000–10,000 below; the steepest gain lies between 2,000 and 6,000. Step pace added nothing beyond step count.
⚠ Caveat
Observational data: sick people walk less (reverse causation), though excluding the first 2 years didn't change the result. A single 1–7-day measurement represents the whole follow-up.
Related in the knowledge base
Last reviewed: 6 September 2026
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