A new study is reporting that folks who took about 7,000 steps a day had a 50 to 70 percent lower risk of premature death from all causes after 11 years of follow-up when compared with people who took fewer steps each day.

These findings held for Black and white middle-aged men and women. In addition, quicker steps weren’t necessarily any better, the study showed.

Step intensity, or the number of steps per minute, didn’t influence the risk of premature death.

The research wasn’t designed to say how taking more steps reduced the chances of dying.

But exercise can reduce cardiovascular risk by improving blood pressure and blood sugar, while reducing cholesterol, and contributing to weight reduction.

One physician reviewer of the study said, “This is a very nice study with a great message: to live longer, walk more. There’s no need to join a gym, no need to purchase equipment, just start walking.”

The findings were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

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