[Medical Q&A] Is it reliable for the elderly to take 10,000 steps a day for a walk after meals?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Sun Xuejun, Chief Physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Many middle-aged and elderly people choose to take a walk after dinner, even rain or shine. So, is it really reliable to take 10,000 steps a day?

In fact, different age groups should have different ways of exercise, and different physical conditions are suitable for different types of exercise. Although the middle-aged and elderly people aged 50 to 60 are still energetic, their physical fitness has gradually declined. Many people feel overwhelmed, and abdominal obesity and pear-shaped bodies are everywhere. At this age, they should first change their bad living habits, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, eating a low-salt and low-fat diet, practicing some equipment according to their ability, or going to the suburbs to climb mountains more often. Swimming is also a good choice.

After the age of 60 to 70, the body's functions gradually decline. The choice of exercise should be mainly aerobic exercise such as walking and mountain climbing. The "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" recommended by the Chinese Nutrition Society also recommends that adults perform physical activities equivalent to more than 6,000 steps per day. Therefore, 6,000 steps per day is a relatively healthy number of steps for walking! For people who are overweight, have joint diseases, have no exercise foundation, have poor physical fitness, and have chronic diseases, don't blindly spend several hours a day brushing the steps on your mobile phone.