2019 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults

Despite growing media attention and increased social awareness about the downsides of living an inactive life, few adults living in Canada are meeting national guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week. The report card states that the inactivity crisis among adults living in Canada is a complex issue that requires a complex remedy. A comprehensive and coordinated solution that involves multiple partners and all orders of government is needed. Aligning efforts and drawing on research to inform future policies and programming is a must.

Highlights of some of the recommendations from the report include:

• Policies and practices in communities should support people in getting physically active. For example, communities should ensure that sidewalks are in good condition year round to enable walking and wheeling in all seasons.
• Policies and practices in communities should support people to move more. Walking is an easy way to increase steps.
• New evidence supports that any movement during the day is good and incorporating shorter bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity into one’s day is beneficial (i.e., a few minutes at a time). This should be supported in workplaces, educational settings, leisure policies and health promotion campaigns.
• Policy-makers should develop educational campaigns about the risks of prolonged sitting which are distinct from those of physical inactivity.
• Communities should ensure that Official Community Plans integrate inclusive (all ages, abilities and cultures) physical activity through multifaceted approaches across community settings.
• Communities should ensure dedicated funding is available to facility and infrastructure repair/maintenance.
• Communities and organizations should promote and implement sharing agreements between community organizations (especially in rural communities)

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