The latest Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey results indicate a mixed picture for our region, with combined figures for County Durham, and Tyne & Wear showing that a larger portion of adults are inactive (27.5%) compared with the national average for England (24.7%).
These figures are particularly worrying, and tell a broader story about our region when combined with data released earlier this year indicating that the North East has had the lowest healthy life expectancy at birth in every period since records began.
The survey seeks to capture the levels of physical activity and inactivity across England. The survey defines
- ‘active’ as doing at least 150 minutes a week
- ‘fairly active’ as doing 30-149 minutes a week
- ‘inactive’ as doing fewer than 30 minutes a week
These definitions stem from the UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines for adults, recommending 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity equivalent a week.
Whilst inactivity rates across our region are varied, they are higher in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham than England, being lower only in Northumberland.
Positively, since 2015 physical inactivity rates have decreased in Northumberland and South Tyneside. Additionally, Newcastle and Northumberland have a higher proportion of active adults than the national average for England.
Whilst there are some positives in the recently published results, there is significant scope to reduce inactivity levels further. We are passionate about the transformative role that movement can play in making a difference to the communities that need it most. Our work within communities and in collaboration with regional partners including local authorities, NECA, schools, colleges and universities aims to create a healthier region for everyone through the power of movement.
Find out more
To learn more about our strategy to transform lives, communities and places through the power of movement, read our latest strategy.
If you’d like to collaborate or work with us to help bring change to our communities, please get in touch.
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