Active People, Healthy Nation℠ At a Glance

Why our work is important

Too few Americans get the recommended amount of physical activity. Nationally, 1 in 4 adults meet the combined aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. About 31 million adults 50 or older are inactive, meaning they get no physical activity beyond that of daily living.

Physical inactivity costs lives & dollars

Inactivity contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths. Inadequate levels of physical activity are associated with $117 billion in annual health care costs.

Many Americans do not have safe or convenient places to be active

Only 39% of the US population lives within half a mile of a park. Only 40% of school-aged youth who live a mile or less from school report that they usually walk to school.

Physical activity benefits all Americans

Children

• Improves aerobic fitness
• Improves muscular fitness
• Improves bone health
• Promotes favorable body composition
• Improves attention and some measures of academic performance (with school physical activity programs)

Adults

• Lowers risk of high blood pressure
• Lowers risk of stroke
• Improves aerobic fitness
• Improves mental health
• Improves cognitive function
• Reduces arthritis symptoms
• Prevents weight gain

Older adults

• Reduces risk of falling
• Improves balance
• Improves joint mobility
• Extends years of active life
• Helps prevent weak bones and muscle loss
• Delays onset of cognitive decline

Communities

Economic benefits

Building active and walkable communities can help:

• Increase levels of retail economic activity and employment
• Increase property values
• Support neighborhood revitalization
• Reduce health care costs

Safety

Walkable communities can improve safety for people who walk or roll in wheelchairs, ride bicycles, and drive.

Workforce

Physically active people tend to take fewer sick days.