Nov 27, 2025, New Delhi

A leading gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience has shared a simple habit that, according to him, can influence how long you live. Dr Saurabh Sethi, trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford, posted on Instagram on November 26 explaining why daily walking is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes people can adopt. His message has sparked wide interest online, as it highlights practical steps that anyone can follow without needing special equipment, money or training. Dr Sethi referred to a study of nearly 80,000 adults tracked for about seven years, which found that those who walked around 10,000 steps a day faced a lower risk of dementia. He said the research also showed that people who walked faster had even stronger protection, suggesting that pace matters almost as much as the number of steps.

He added that another major study found that every additional 2,000 steps per day was linked to roughly a 10 percent lower chance of premature death. According to him, this shows that even small increases in daily movement can build up to meaningful health benefits over time. Dr Sethi explained that walking supports both physical and brain health, making it a simple yet effective tool for longevity. He encouraged people to add more movement into daily routines by taking stairs, walking during phone calls, and keeping a brisk pace whenever possible.

For people who want a structured routine, he suggested alternating between three minutes of fast walking and three minutes of slower walking, calling it a highly effective yet easy method that requires no preparation. His advice comes at a time when more experts are linking lifestyle habits to long-term brain function, energy levels, and overall life expectancy. Dr Sethi’s message also aligns with growing evidence that consistent low-impact activity can prevent chronic disease, support mental clarity and delay age-related decline.

While the post has gained attention, it is based on user-generated content and has not been independently verified. Health experts also warn that such advice should complement, not replace, professional medical guidance. However, the core takeaway remains clear: one of the simplest habits—daily walking—may offer long-term benefits far beyond what many expect.

 AIIMS-Trained Gastroenterologist Reveals One Daily Habit That Can Add Years to Your Life

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford with over 25 years of experience, shared a simple habit that could boost longevity: daily walking. On Instagram, he highlighted studies showing that walking around 10,000 steps a day can lower the risk of dementia, and walking faster may provide even stronger protection. Another major study noted that every extra 2,000 steps per day could reduce the risk of premature death by nearly 10 percent.

Dr Sethi emphasized that walking benefits both the body and the brain, making it an easy yet powerful way to improve long-term health. He suggested practical ways to add more steps into daily life—taking stairs, walking during calls, and maintaining a brisk pace. For a structured routine, alternating three minutes of fast walking with three minutes of slower walking is highly effective and simple to follow.

While the advice is based on user-shared content and hasn’t been independently verified, it aligns with growing research linking low-impact activity to longer life, better mental clarity, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Experts remind us that this should complement medical guidance, but the key message is clear: small, consistent steps every day can make a big difference.