The general recommendation for daily steps for most adults is to aim for about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day to maintain good health and fitness
. This range is often cited as a reasonable target and is associated with benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases
. However, the ideal number of steps can vary based on age, fitness level, and health goals:
- Adults aged 18-59 years: 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day is suggested for longevity and health benefits
- Adults aged 60 and older: 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day may be sufficient due to changes in energy expenditure and efficiency with age
- People new to walking or with lower fitness levels should gradually increase their steps, starting from their baseline and adding increments over time
The 10,000 steps goal originated from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign and has since become a popular benchmark, though recent research indicates benefits may plateau before reaching 10,000 steps
. In summary, aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily is a good general target for most adults, with adjustments made for age and individual circumstances. Even increasing steps by small amounts from your current level can yield significant health benefits
