The secret of that 10,000-step claim was revealed in the past decade, when enterprising reporters discovered that it was the product of a Japanese pedometer company’s marketing efforts, and not based on any scientific study. Despite that, many of us kept trudging, on the assumption that diligently walking 10,000 steps – about five miles – will help prevent age-related conditions like cardiovascular disease and stroke. New research – including studies published in The Lancet and JAMA Network Open – confirms the benefits of walking, but suggests those daily strolls can be a lot shorter and even more leisurely.