A DAILY walk to the shop could be key to living longer, say scientists.
Just 11 minutes of brisk walking each day slashes the risk of an early death by 23 per cent.
A study revealed one in ten people would live longer if they walked moreGetty
A Cambridge University study revealed one in ten people would live longer if they took up the habit.
The stroll is enough to cut the risk of heart disease or cancer, even though it falls short of the NHS’s target of 2.5 hours per week.
Study author Dr Soren Brage said: “If you are someone who finds the idea of 150 minutes of physical activity a week a bit daunting, then our findings should be good news.
“Doing some physical activity is better than doing none.”
The research used data from 196 studies involving more than 30million people.
They found only one in three people actually get the 150 minutes of weekly exercise they should.
Fit people had the best health but even those who did half as much activity – but still got moving – enjoyed a lower risk of illness.
An average of 75 minutes per week reduced cancer risk by seven per cent and heart risk by 17 per cent compared to inactive people.
Working out improves your health by boosting circulation to the heart and brain and reducing sugar and fat in the blood, plus reducing obesity.
Study co-author Dr Leandro Garcia, from Queen’s University in Belfast, said: “Moderate activity doesn’t have to involve what we normally think of exercise.
“For example, try to walk or cycle to work instead of using a car, or play with your kids or grandkids.
“Doing activities that you enjoy and that are easy to include in your weekly routine is an excellent way to become more active.”