In a study published March 24, 2020 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the National Institute on Aging, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, found that higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk from all causes.

Along with the National Cancer Institute ( NCI) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study found that compared with taking 4,000 steps per day, a number considered to be low for adults, taking 8,000 steps per day was associated with a 51% lower risk for all-cause mortality (or death from all causes). Taking 12,000 steps per day was associated with a 65% lower risk compared with taking 4,000 steps.

“At NIA, we’ve long studied how exercise is important for older adults, and it’s good to see further evidence from a large study with a broad sample that the main thing is to get moving for better overall health as we age,” said Eric Shiroma, Ph.D., a co-author and NIA Intramural Research Program scientist.

Independence- a key consideration when evaluating overall quality of life in seniors - is linked inextricably to mobility.

Fitting appropriate and affordable therapeutic footwear to seniors that are experiencing challenges finding comfortable shoes that not only help to improve mobility but also reduce the risk of fall.