The song "Climb Every Mountain," in "The Sound of Music," implores everyone to "climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every byway, every path you know."

But according to a new study, you don't have to go that far to achieve a healthier, longer, happier life. Just find the closest staircase.

Researchers looked at nine studies with data on almost half a million people to see just how beneficial it is to take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator.

Presenting their findings at a scientific congress, they said that regular stair climbing reduced the risk of dying from any cause by 24% and lowered the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 39%, compared to not climbing stairs. It also reduced the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

Another study published in BMJ Public Health says that stair climbing helps protect you from metabolic syndrome, a combination of increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and elevated LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

So step up to the challenge.

How? Start slowly, taking one step every one to two seconds. Over time, increase the speed and step count. Your optimal goal, according to a new European study, is to climb more than five flights of stairs per day — we suggest 70 steps a minute.

Want a dramatic reduction in health risks? Duke University says "There is a significantly lower risk of mortality when climbing more than 55 flights per week."