This daily habit adds 11 years to your life 🕒

Your daily routine may hide an unsuspected key to gaining years of healthy life.

According to a recent study, a few simple adjustments could extend your life by several years without turning your routine into an athlete's regimen.


To achieve these results, researchers from Griffith University studied data from American individuals in their forties, which were collected using accelerometers worn daily. The analyses revealed that the most active individuals, achieving the equivalent of 160 minutes (about 2 hours and 40 minutes) of walking per day, enjoyed significantly higher life expectancies compared to the less active. If all adults over 40 adopted this pace, they could gain up to 11 additional years of life.

The secret lies in simple actions, such as walking more in daily life. According to the estimates, an additional hour of brisk walking each day could extend the life expectancy of the least active individuals by 5 to 6 years. This gain in life expectancy can even reach 11 years if applied to those currently at the lowest levels of physical activity! This finding becomes even more striking when considering that the benefits extend to severe diseases such as cardiovascular disorders or certain cancers.

Compared to other public health measures, physical activity even competes with smoking cessation in terms of positive impact. For every additional hour of walking, a sedentary person could gain six hours of life expectancy. A stark comparison: each cigarette smoked shortens life by 11 minutes, while a short walk produces the opposite effect.

The study also invites us to reflect on our urban environments. In many cities, infrastructure is poorly suited for walking or cycling, discouraging individual initiatives. Yet, researchers stress the importance of neighborhoods conducive to physical activity to transform these habits into a social norm. The World Health Organization thus encourages the creation of pedestrian zones and bike paths to facilitate the integration of movement into daily life.

These simple habits not only extend life but also improve its quality. Walking impacts stress, mental well-being, and cognitive functions while strengthening social bonds. A beneficial snowball effect for both individuals and society.

For many, moving more seems like an unattainable goal. However, a few modest changes are enough to make a difference: choosing stairs over elevators, walking for short trips, or even doing your shopping on foot. These cumulative habits can transform your health.

So, if your health allows it, why not seize the opportunity? Rediscovering the joy of movement is not just a decision for today; it's a gift for the future.