Brisk Walking Just 15 Minutes a Day May Cut Death Risk by 20 Percent: Study Finds - Video

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that just 15 minutes of brisk walking per day can significantly reduce the risk of death, especially among low-income populations. The findings support the promotion of walking as a simple, accessible, and cost-effective way to improve public health, particularly in underserved communities.

While the health benefits of walking are well known, few studies have focused on walking pace and mortality outcomes in low-income or predominantly Black populations.

The research team analyzed data from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), which recruited approximately 85,000 adults aged 40–79 between 2002 and 2009, primarily through community health centers in 12 southeastern U.S. states. Using structured questionnaires, participants provided baseline information about their walking habits, lifestyle, demographics, and medical history.

The study included data from 79,856 participants, 66% of whom were Black and 30% white. The cohort was linked to the National Death Index to track mortality data through December 31, 2022. During a median follow-up period of 16.7 years, 26,862 deaths were recorded.

The analysis showed that fast walking for at least 15 minutes per day reduced overall mortality by nearly 20%, while slow walking for more than three hours per day offered a smaller benefit. The protective effects of fast walking persisted even after adjusting for other lifestyle and physical activity factors.

“By demonstrating the benefits of fast walking, which is a low-cost and largely accessible activity, we provide direct evidence to inform targeted public health interventions and policies to improve health outcomes,” said senior author Wei Zheng, MD, PhD, MPH, the Anne Potter Wilson Professor of Medicine and director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center.

“Brisk walking offers a convenient, accessible and low-impact activity that individuals of all ages and fitness levels can use to improve general health and cardiovascular health specifically,” Zheng emphasized.

Reference: NA. Daily Walking and Mortality in Racially and Socioeconomically Diverse U.S. Adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107738