Active living > Facts about inactivity

Facts about inactivity

Risks of inactivity

Experts around the world agree that physical inactivity has a serious impact on health.

Research has shown that being physically inactive increases the risk for disease, disability and even death. Some of the health problems linked to being inactive include: (16)

How widespread is the problem of inactivity?

According to Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults, 60% of Canadians are not active enough to benefit their health.(17) The statistics get worse for the older adult population. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute states that 55% of men 65 and over and 67% of women 65 and over are inactive.(18) These numbers get worse with more advanced age.

Inactivity is also a concern for our health care system. The current cost related to physical inactivity has been estimated at $2.1 billion annually. (19) With an aging population, these costs can only increase unless we make healthy changes in our lifestyles and communities.

Why aren't older adults active?

According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute,(20) some reasons offered by older adults for not being physically active include:

• Lack of energy or motivation
• Fear of injury
• Lack of time
• Lack of safe routes or a place in which to be active

Efforts to support older adults in becoming more active need to address these barriers.

Previous:

What is active living?

Next:

Facts about physical activity