Thought you didn’t need to walk today? Think again! Turns out, the connection between daily steps and health outcomes might be stronger than many of us assumed. While guidelines like the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and the 2020 WHO Guidelines for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior didn’t set official step targets, that’s starting to shift.

A major study published in The Lancet Public Health found that step counts are a useful supplementary metric to guide public health recommendations. While they may not fully capture all types of physical activity—like cycling or rowing—they are still a powerful and practical tool, especially in senior living communities where walking is more common than high-impact activity. Around 7,000 steps per day is associated with significant risk reduction for major health outcomes, as also highlighted in a MedPage Today analysis of recent findings.

Globally, one in three adults doesn’t get enough physical activity, and the trend isn’t improving. That’s where steps come in. Research shows that even at lower step counts, risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and early death decreases. But the benefits don’t stop there—the more steps, the better. Around 7,000 steps per day is a realistic and meaningful goal.

So how do we help residents add steps to their day? Remember walk-to-dine? It’s not a new idea, but it works. A few short strolls each day—maybe a holiday parade down the hallway or a “decorate your door” tour—can help build momentum. Residents may not be rowing or spinning, but they sure can walk. And every step counts.

Making daily movement part of the community culture can help reinforce the relationship between daily steps and health outcomes in a way that feels both fun and achievable. So lace up those sneakers, rally your activity department, and get creative.

Stay well and stay informed!