AIIMS-trained gastro doctor with more than 25 yrs of experience shares one secret that can add years to your life

A surprisingly simple daily habit may hold the key to a longer, healthier life, according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and hepatologist with more than 25 years of experience and advanced training from Harvard and Stanford University. In a recent Instagram post shared on November 26, Dr. Sethi emphasised that incorporating this one simple habit into one’s routine can profoundly influence overall health and longevity.

Citing a large study that tracked nearly 80,000 adults over seven years, he noted a clear association between walking and stronger long-term brain health. Individuals who reached around 10,000 steps a day showed a markedly lower risk of dementia. The benefits were even greater among those who walked at a faster pace, suggesting that both consistency and intensity matter.

Dr. Sethi also referenced another study indicating that every additional 2,000 daily steps corresponded to roughly a 10% reduction in the risk of premature death. In his post, he described walking as a deceptively powerful habit—one that supports heart health, boosts cognition, improves metabolic resilience, and fortifies the body against age-related decline.


Dr. Sethi's Instagram Post:

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

He advises weaving movement into everyday life in simple, sustainable ways: taking the stairs, walking during phone calls, and maintaining a brisk pace whenever possible. For those seeking a slightly more structured challenge, he recommends alternating three minutes of fast walking with three minutes of a gentler pace—an easy interval routine that delivers surprisingly robust physiological benefits.


(Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. It has not been independently verified, and the publication does not endorse the claims. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.)