AMERICANS TOOK FEWER STEPS DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic peak, and we have not gotten back to our pre-coronavirus numbers. Today we explore a worrisome trend in steps taken, especially among young individuals: We’re walking less.
Walking is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. It is a low-impact exercise that people of all ages and fitness levels can do. Walking has several health benefits, including the following:
- Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Walking helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to improve the function of the heart and lungs.
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthens bones and muscles. Walking puts weight on the bones, which helps to keep them strong. It also helps to build muscle strength and endurance.
- Improves balance and coordination. Walking helps to improve balance and coordination, which can help to reduce the risk of falls.
- Reduces stress and anxiety. Walking can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It can also help to improve mood and sleep quality.
- Increases lifespan. Studies have shown that people who walk regularly live longer than those who do not.
Walking is a simple and easy way to improve your health. It is a great way to get started with exercise and can be done anywhere. If you are not used to walking, start slowly and gradually increase the time you walk each day. Even a short walk is better than no walk at all.
The Study: A Worrisome Trend in Steps Taken
The study used data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, which is focused on finding ways to develop individualized health care.
The study included more than 6,000 participants. All donned activity trackers for at least 10 hours daily for multiple years. The subjects allowed researchers access to their electronic medical records.
Researchers examined steps taken by nearly 5,500 people who wore activity trackers for the study. Participants were mostly white women, with an average age of 53.
Steps collected between January 1, 2018, and January 31, 2020, were deemed “pre-COVID.” Steps tracked after that until the end of 2021 were regarded as post-COVID.
The number of steps taken did not differ by weight, sex, diabetes, and other illnesses. Those taking fewer steps were the unvaccinated, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and those under psychological stress.
Perhaps surprisingly, younger people (especially those 18 to 30) continued to walk less following the pandemic peak; older individuals continued to keep their steps up. For every 10-year decreasing age, there appeared to be a 243-step reduction daily.
Key points — We’re Walking Less.
Question. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many to move less. Are we recovering?
Findings. Many (especially younger individuals) are still moving less for unclear reasons.
Meaning. If the trend of moving less continues, many might have a higher chance of suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and other diseases strongly associated with sedentary behavior. Hopefully, the trend will end soon.
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The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “We’re walking less.”
