, the researchers followed 78,000 people in the U.K. and found brisk walkers had a 35 percent lower risk of dying, a 30 percent lower risk of dementia, and a 25 percent lower risk of heart disease or cancer, suggesting the pace may be the key.
Yale researcher and author Dr. F. Perry Wilson was not involved in the new study, but he says there are important implications. First, he advises his patients to get up and get moving as much as they can.
Wilson suggests people try to get their steps in clusters. Instead of a slow walk around the office throughout the day, build in time to take a 15 or even 30-minute walk at lunch. Wilson recommends using social media to track your steps and those of your family and friends. Sometimes a little friendly competition can be an incentive.