Physical activity

• Physical inactivity is responsible for about 7% of the total burden of disease in Australia and rates second only to tobacco smoking. [1]
• Physical inactivity has been linked to coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. [2]
• 54% of Australian adults are not doing enough physical activity to achieve health benefits. [3]
• Only 30% of Australians report that they participate in physical activity more than once a week. [4]
• Increasing physical activity in older adults has been shown to decrease depression, increase overall health and improve quality of life. [5]
• People who participate in sports and physical activity during adolescence are much more likely to be physically active in later life. [6]

References

1. AIHW, The burden of disease and injury in Australia, AIHW Cat. No. PHE 17, Canberra.
2. Bauman A & Owen N 1999, 'Physical activity of adult Australians', Journal of Science Medicine and Sport 2(1):30–41.
3. AIHW, Australia’s Health 2004, Cat. No. A, Canberra.
4. Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport 2003, Participation in Exercise Recreation and Sport, Annual Report.
5. Vance DE et al 2005, 'The effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on cognitive health in older adults', Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 13, 294-313.
6. Tuija Tammelin 2005, 'A review of longitudinal studies on youth predictors of adult physical activity', International Journal of Adolescent Medical Health, 17(1):3–12.

 

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