By Stephen Beech

Older women who clock up at least 4,000 steps just one or two days per week live longer, suggests a new study.

They are also less likely to develop heart disease, say scientists.

The study, published online by the British Journal of Sports Medicine , examined not only how many steps older women take but how often they reach their daily step targets across the week.

American researchers found that those who took 4,000 steps on one or two days per week had a 27% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and 26% reduction in risk of death compared to those who completed fewer steps.

The study also found that the number of steps taken, rather than any daily pattern of steps, was tied to the risk reductions.

Tracking daily steps has become a standard exercise meas

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