MORE than a quarter of us are walking less than before – despite its health benefits, a survey suggests.

One in ten people admit that their longest journey in a typical day is from the living room to the kitchen.

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And a similar proportion report walking less than 1,000 daily steps, while almost two thirds fail to reach the recommended 10,000 per day.

As the days get shorter, nearly one in five people say they don’t bother going outside in the cold.

Walks with family are also becoming rare, with one in seven never doing so – although six in ten say they wish they did.

The over-55s are particularly guilty, with a fifth family of skips walking even though three-quarters say they are improving their mental and physical health. health.

Nearly half say this walk together helps reduce tension in their home, according to Vitality Health survey Insurance.

Experts say take 5,000 steps three times a week can add up to three years to your life expectancy.

Those who manage 7,500 measures five times a week are three and a half times more likely to eat healthily, it is claimed.

A previous study found that regular long walks can make people look up to 16 years younger in middle age.

Vitality well-being Coach Yetunde Bankole said: “While it is natural for our routines to change over time, it is important to make walking a daily habit.

“Walking is one of the simplest but most effective ways to improve well-being, whether it is reducing stress, improving sleepor foster closer family or community ties.

Reluctant strollers should break up the steps throughout the day instead of doing them all at once.

She added: “In winteryou may need to go the extra mile and resist the urge to stay indoors.

“Instead, wrap up warm, enjoy a walk, and try to soak up the winter sun, as both of these activities are proven to improve mood.”