A new study suggests that taking longer, continuous walks of 15 minutes or more at a time can be beneficial for health and longevity, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease by half compared to shorter walks throughout the day. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 participants in their 60s and found that those who walked for extended periods had lower risks of cardiovascular problems and were more likely to live longer.
The study’s findings are based on a large-scale review of activity tracker data, which showed that people who took longer walks (10-15 minutes or more) tended to have better health outcomes than those who broke up their walking into shorter segments. This suggests that the pattern of physical activity may be more important than the total amount of movement.
The study’s authors emphasize that even brief periods of physical activity are better than none, and that taking longer walks can amplify the benefits of daily exercise. The results support the idea that “any amount of physical activity is good,” as long as it’s consistent and regular.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/11/10/ideal-length-of-a-walk