Exercise & Fitness

Half of U.S. Adults Hit the Step Count Threshold Linked to Lower Mortality Risk

Using wrist accelerometer data from over 8,700 U.S. adults in the NHANES 2011–2014 survey, researchers found that Americans average about 8,818 steps per day. Nearly half of adults under 60 reached the 9,000-step threshold linked to major mortality reductions, while about 45% of those 60 and older hit the 7,000-step target. Men out-walked women, and Hispanic adults logged more steps than other racial and ethnic groups. Interestingly, most steps were taken in short bursts under two minutes rather than sustained bouts. The study provides the first robust national benchmarks for step volume and intensity across demographic groups, offering a foundation for targeted public health strategies to get the least active Americans moving more.