Apollo doctor reveals the one habit that can improve longevity and reduce risk of premature death by 38%

If you want to enhance your lifespan, one of the simplest habits you can adopt is climbing more stairs, suggests a senior physician from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. Dr Sudhir Kumar recently highlighted on social media that stepping upward is far more than a basic fitness routine—it actually serves as a strong marker of how long you may live, particularly for people dealing with knee discomfort or early joint problems.

Fresh scientific findings indicate that completing around seven flights of stairs within a week can significantly cut the chance of premature death—by nearly forty percent—in people who either have knee osteoarthritis or are prone to it. On the other hand, adults who struggle with even small amounts of stair climbing face dramatically higher overall mortality risk, ranging from more than half to almost double. According to Dr Kumar, difficulty in using stairs should never be dismissed because it reflects deeper issues that require timely attention to safeguard long-term well-being. He also advises patients to discuss their activity levels during routine medical visits, since staying active benefits the entire body, not just the joints.

Insights shared through a Duke University report further underline why stair climbing is such a valuable daily habit. It requires no special tools, can be spread throughout the day, and meaningfully contributes to the recommended half hour of moderate physical movement. Individuals who climb over fifty-five flights each week show a notably reduced death risk. The activity burns roughly eight to eleven kilocalories per minute, placing it among the more demanding moderate-intensity exercises.


Regular stair climbers tend to possess better overall fitness and stronger aerobic capacity. Even climbing two flights daily can result in about six pounds of annual weight reduction. Among post-menopausal women, consistent stair use is linked to stronger bones. It can also boost beneficial cholesterol levels, reinforce leg strength, and lower the likelihood of fall-related injuries in older adults. Additionally, it supports maintaining a healthy weight and contributes to the preservation of resilient bones, muscles, and joints.