A survey finds that increasing numbers of Americans did not participate in any physical activities in the last year. At least one feature of the build environment—access to school gyms—is blamed.
"The number of Americans who were 'totally sedentary' last year rose to its highest level since 2007," reports Sara Germano. The dispiriting statistic is a finding of a recent survey by the Physical Activity Council, released this week.
"Roughly 83 million Americans age 6 and over, or about 28% of the population, reported that they did not once participate in any of 104 specific physical activities in the last calendar year," according to Germano's explanation of the survey findings. "The number of totally sedentary Americans has risen 18% since 2007, while the percentage of the total inactive population age 6 and over has grown by three percentage points over the same period."
The article goes on to point out some of the direct correlations claimed by the survey, including physical education at schools. According to Germano, "the council are concerned that decreasing minutes for gym in schools is a chief contributor to rising levels of inactivity among adults."
Jennifer Larino also covered the results of the survey for the Times-Picayune, for those unable to access the original article, which is behind the Wall Street Journal paywall. A press release on the Physical Activity Council's website and the full report [pdf] are also available for finding out more information about the study.
FULL STORY: American Inactivity Level Is Highest Since 2007, Survey Finds
Majority of Americans Prefer Larger Homes and Longer Trips, Survey Says
The percentages have fluctuated on either side of the pandemic, but most Americans prefer to live in communities with larger houses, located farther away from schools, stores, and restaurants, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
Pew: More Americans Prefer Big Homes, Longer Distances to Retail and Amenities
The pandemic has resulted in an an increasing preference for sprawl among Americans, according to the findings of a recent Pew Research Center "American Trends Panel."
Returning to the Office: Will Vaccinations Be Required?
A survey by Kaiser Health News of 15 of America's largest companies found that none are considering vaccine mandates, but most offer employee incentives. Mandates may be more of consideration after the FDA approves the vaccines.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
Texas Safety Advocates Raise Alarm in Advance of Tesla Robotaxi Launch
The company plans to deploy self-driving taxis in Austin with no oversight from state or local transportation agencies.
How to Fund SF’s Muni Without Cutting Service
Three solutions for bridging the San Francisco transit agency’s budget gap without reducing service for transit-dependent riders.
Austin Tests Self-Driving Bus
Autonomous buses could improve bus yard operations for electric fleets, according to CapMetro.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)