Behind the Indicator: Physically Active Adults

Why “Physically Active Adults” Is an Indicator You Shouldn’t Overlook

The Shift: From Digital Comfort to Physical Decline

After the pandemic, our relationship with movement changed. As work, meetings, and even social life went digital, many of us moved less. National data shows that activity levels fell, particularly in urban and deprived areas — a quiet but significant consequence of modern life.

Why This Indicator Matters

Physical activity isn’t just about fitness. It’s one of the strongest predictors of community wellbeing.

Active adults are less likely to suffer from chronic illness, report higher life satisfaction, and contribute to stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

At a local level, this single indicator correlates with lower healthcare costs, community resilience, and social cohesion. It reveals how local environments — from access to parks to perceptions of safety — shape both body and mind.

What Low Activity Rates Tell Us

When a place shows low levels of physical activity, it can indicate:

• A lack of safe, walkable spaces.

• Poor access to green areas or sports facilities.

• Inadequate public health outreach.

These insights turn data into a story about place design and inclusion — showing where communities may be physically restricted or socially disconnected.

Why It’s Relevant Today — and in the Future

Today, the “Physically Active Adults” indicator highlights the changing nature of modern life. As digitalisation, remote work, and cost-of-living pressures reshape routines, physical inactivity has become one of the most pressing — yet invisible — public health issues.

At the same time, physical activity is deeply tied to mental health, social connection, and economic resilience. Communities with higher activity levels tend to experience lower healthcare costs, reduced loneliness, and stronger civic engagement.

Looking to the future, this indicator will become even more vital in shaping urban planning, transport design, and preventive healthcare.

• As the population ages, staying active will determine quality of life and reduce pressure on health systems.

• For younger generations, it will influence educational outcomes, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

By promoting movement-friendly environments today — through safe walking routes, accessible parks, and active transport infrastructure — councils can build healthier, happier, and more resilient places for decades to come.

The Takeaway

“Physically Active Adults” may seem like a health statistic, but it’s really a mirror of how our communities function. It reflects design, policy, and inclusion — the foundations of social progress.

How is your area supporting active communities — today and for the future?