Clocks that measure our activities, such as the steps we take, have been given credit in a new study from the University of Sydney. Analyzing data from such devices worn by 78,500 volunteers in a first-of-its-kind study, Australian scientists found that brisk walking for 30 minutes a day was enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and death compared to walking. also for half an hour, but at a slower pace. The results of the study were published in two articles in the journals JAMA Internal Medicine and JAMA Neurology.

The studies used data from the UK Biobank database of people with an average age of 61 who wore activity trackers for seven days and nights. The scientists then tracked their health progress, such as whether they developed heart disease, cancer, dementia, or died over the next six to eight years.

They found that every additional 2,000 steps – up to 10,000 – daily reduced the risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia by 10%. For dementia, 9800 steps were associated with a 50% risk reduction. A 25% reduction was noticeable after 3800 steps per day. The researchers also found that those who moved faster, taking 80 to 100 steps per minute for half an hour each day, had better health compared to those who walked the same amount of time each day, but at a slower pace.

Those who walked fast had a 35% lower risk of early death, a 25% lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and a 30% lower risk of dementia compared to those who walked more slowly. As the scientists emphasize, the practical conclusion of their study is that a person who takes 2,400 to 3,000 quick steps a day can significantly protect their health.