Peer-reviewed study
Where the 10,000-step myth breaks
Association of Step Volume and Intensity With All-Cause Mortality in Older Women
Quick answer
What this study found
Lee et al. (2019, JAMA Internal Medicine, PMID 31141585) followed 16,741 women with a mean age of 72. About 4,400 steps a day was linked to lower mortality than about 2,700, and the benefit kept rising before leveling off around 7,500 steps a day. Step intensity was not clearly linked to mortality after accounting for total steps.
Source details
PubMed-linked study details.
- Authors
- Lee et al.
- Journal
- JAMA Internal Medicine. 2019.
- Identifiers
- PMID 31141585 · DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.0899
Honest limits
What this study does not prove.
The study followed women around age 72. It is useful for showing the curve flattens, but do not apply its exact numbers to younger men.
Kris's practical takeaway
Here's what to do with it.
10,000 is a round number, not a research threshold. The benefit here flattened around 7,500, so pick a target you will actually hit every day.
Ways to use it
Safe ways to apply it.
10,000 steps is a round number, not science
The benefit curve flattens
Pick a target you will actually hit
Related guides and studies
Keep learning about cardio.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is the practical takeaway from this study?
10,000 is a round number, not a research threshold. The benefit here flattened around 7,500, so pick a target you will actually hit every day.
What does this study not prove?
The study followed women around age 72. It is useful for showing the curve flattens, but do not apply its exact numbers to younger men.
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