A new study has found that one small daily habit could add five or more years to your life. It’s an easy change, and you don’t even need to leave your home to do it.
As the colder months approach, it’s tempting to stay indoors, relax, and move less. But if you’re looking for a reason to be more active, this study might convince you.

The Study
Researchers analyzed how different levels of physical activity impact life expectancy. The study used data from the National Center for Health Statistics and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Participants, all aged 40 or older, wore devices similar to smartwatches for several days to measure their activity levels. The results focused on how something as simple as walking each day could make a big difference.

The Findings
In 2017, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 78.6 years. The study found that if all adults aged 40 and older were as inactive as the least active 25%, life expectancy would drop by almost six years.
On the other hand, if people were as active as the most active 25%, the average lifespan would increase by 5.3 years, reaching 83.7 years.
Even more surprising, walking for 160 minutes a day could increase life expectancy by up to 10.9 years.
The study also found that each additional hour of activity could add about 169 minutes to a person’s life.

Why Walking Matters
Dr. Lennert Veerman, a public health expert in Australia, said he was surprised by the results. He noted that low physical activity may reduce lifespan as much as smoking or high blood pressure.
According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity helps prevent diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, and even depression. It also improves brain health and overall well-being.
For younger people, being active helps strengthen bones, muscles, and brain development.
So, you don’t need to run marathons or go to the gym every day. Just walking more could help you live longer and healthier.