Prevention

2.2 A strategy for physical activity

In designing a national programme for physical activity, several core components must be addressed. Physical activity can include both active transport, encouraging movement whilst people are going about their daily activities, as well as exercise for leisure.

Key population level considerations include ensuring equitable access to safe and appealing spaces for exercise, increasing public awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity and removing barriers to participation for all population groups.

Furthermore, it is vital to consider the influence of urban planning, transport infrastructure, and community design in promoting active lifestyles. The strategy should also address the role of schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems in supporting physical activity, and encourage cross-sector collaboration with the sports and recreation sector.

Physical activity has been a key area for consumer-facing digital health tools. Embracing technological innovation and integrating emerging evidence on effective interventions are key to creating a dynamic and sustainable approach to increasing population-wide physical activity levels.

A critical domain for action has been on multi-sector collaboration, such as public-private partnerships focused on legislative and policy frameworks that promote environmental changes conducive to physical activity. By leveraging resources and expertise from both sectors, it is possible to foster environments that support active lifestyles, such as creating safer walking and biking paths, enhancing access to recreational facilities, and providing incentives for businesses to establish healthier workplaces. Comprehensive, multi-sector strategies are necessary to address the barriers faced by various demographic groups in achieving recommended levels of physical activity to positively impact health outcomes and life expectancy at scale.