More Steps Equals Fewer Hospital Stays

According to a recent report, older individuals can reduce the amount of time they will eventually spend in hospitals by walking an extra 4,300 steps per day. In the study, a team of Australian researchers analyzed data on 2,110 participants aged 55 and older and found that those who walked an average of 8,800 steps per day spent .36 fewer days in the hospital each year than those who took about half as many steps each day. Based on their findings, the researchers conclude, “Health interventions and urban design features that encourage walking could have a substantial effect on the need for hospital care, and should be features of health policy.” Medical Journal of Australia, February 2017