How Many Kilometres We Walk in a Lifetime (Singapore Edition)

Did you know that over the course of your life you might walk the equivalent of three times around the Earth? That’s roughly 119,835 kilometres of steps, spans of pavement, paths and trails. Every commute, each stroll, even a quick quick walk during lunch all add up.

A Lifetime of Movement

Think about all the small walks: to the bus stop, up stairways, down corridors, across neighbourhoods. Over decades, these everyday steps become a massive journey. You might walk through busy city sidewalks, quiet nature trails, along shimmering waterfronts — your feet carrying you across a personal map of your life.

Singapore’s Active Journey

Scenic Riverside View with Modern Buildings in Singapore

Here in Singapore, moving more is tied into national health goals. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends adults try for at least 5,000 steps per day as a starting benchmark — and building up to the broader guideline of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.
At the same time, the Park Connector Network (PCN) plays a huge role in making walking, jogging, cycling and exploring easier and more fun. The PCN is an island-wide network of green corridors that link major parks and nature reserves.
With hundreds of kilometres of trails, including thematic loops like the Eastern Coastal Loop, Central Urban Loop and others, the PCN allows you to turn a simple walk into a mini adventure through nature, towns and scenic landscapes.

Serene Tropical Beach in Singapore with Clear Sky

Why We Walk

Older people in the Park

Walking isn’t just about covering distance — it’s about feeling alive, changing mental gears and connecting with the world around us. Here are three common reasons people take a stroll:

To breathe fresh air and disconnect from screens
To find peace and quiet away from the daily buzz
Simply to get outside and move

Favourite Places On The Move

Sentosa Island Singapore

And where do people like to walk? Some top spots in Singapore:

The beach or waterfront (for example, East Coast Park or Sentosa)
Forests or green reserves (such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve)
Parks and greenways — and the PCN green corridors that link them all

The PCN itself is worth a special mention: it provides scenic paved paths along canals, under tree canopy, through nature reserves and across town. You’ll find family-friendly loops, dedicated paths for bicycles and walkers, and options for a peaceful retreat or an energetic exploration.

Cyclist in Lush Green Forest Pathway in Singapore

Take the Next Step

So next time you slip on your shoes and step outside — whether it’s just a few minutes or a long-planned walk — remember you’re part of a journey far bigger than today. Each step adds to that lifetime kilometre total.
Embrace your inner explorer. Use the trails, the parks, the PCN greenways. Let your feet guide you to new landscapes, familiar paths, quiet corners and lively neighbourhoods. After all, the road ahead is as incredible as the distance you’ve already travelled. PRIME

References:
Hughes, A. (2020, September 24). The average adult “walks around world three times” in their lifetime. The Independent.
About our parks, nature reserves and park connectors. National Parks Board (NParks).

Author

PRIME Magazine

PRIME is a bi-monthly health and lifestyle magazine for those aged 40 and above. Published since 2006 by Spring Publishing, it features inspiring cover stories of celebrities, as well as other health and lifestyle information. Prime has also featured leading celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Mary Buffett, and many others.

Each issue contains a Special Feature that covers a specific theme or topic, a Cover Story, an Ask the Doctor section (where doctors answer readers’ questions), Nutrition and Well-being segments, and Leisure and Lifestyle content.

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