Promoting physical activity
Definition of physical activity
Physical activity is defined as all movements in everyday life, including work, recreation, exercise and sporting activities (World Health Organisation). It can be structured or unstructured, planned or incidental. Research indicates that significant health benefits can be achieved by including a moderate amount of physical activity (30 minutes) 5 days a week.
Physical activity is essential to health
Along with a healthy diet and not smoking, regular physical activity plays a major part in helping prevent chronic disease. In fact, physical activity is ranked second only to tobacco control as the most important factor in disease prevention in Australia.
The benefits of regular physical activity include:
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease
- Lower blood pressure
- Less chance of developing type 2 diabetes
- Increased levels of good cholesterol
- Improved mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression
- Reduced duration and intensity of clinical depression
- Stronger musculoskeletal system, which can decrease the likelihood of developing osteoporosis
What influences physical activity?
Environment, economic, financial, social and cultural factors influence physical activity. For some Victorians, one or more of these factors can become an obstacle to participating in physical activity.
By linking groups and being innovative in our thinking we can break down barriers that might stop people from participating. By contributing to organisational policies and social and physical environments that facilitate physical activity, VicHealth can help reverse trends of physical inactivity and obesity.
Research, relevant information and education can help people across the population, particularly disadvantaged groups, to become more physically active. Guided by evidence, VicHealth designs and supports a range of programs that address barriers to inactivity.
For example:
- The Walking School Bus was designed in response to research into the levels of physical activity among children.
- To reduce barriers to participation in physical activity, particularly by those most disadvantaged and in junior participation, we provide Active Club Grants to clubs for sports injury prevention equipment, essential equipment, portable shade and volunteer training.
- To help create attractive and safe areas for people to be active we are working with planners to look at ways in which they can plan health into their designs.
Targeting specific groups
In Victoria, only 61.4% of adult males and 57.6% of adult females are sufficiently active to enjoy the health benefits of physical activity. Participation rates are even lower than the average amongst young people, Kooris, women, older adults and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For example, only 45.6% of people aged 65 years and over participate in physical activity. By linking groups and being innovative in our thinking we can break down barriers that might stop people in these groups from participating.
How to create healthy and welcoming environments
Organisations with a policy to welcome and include potential participants are more likely to attract and retain them.
Likewise, smokefree environments and initiatives like a responsible alcohol management policy can play a significant role in creating a culture that encourages participation.
Read about some things organisations can do to create a healthy environment.
Ways to increase participation
Read information about ways to increase participation by overcoming barriers to participation, from minimising fear of injury to addressing transport issues.