NFD research: Youth of today are “much less active”

A survey of 2,071 people, commissioned by ukactive and conducted by Savanta, found more than half of UK adults (56%) think the youth of today are less active now than when they were children. The figure rises to 73% for 55- to 74-year-olds and 75% for those aged 75 or over.

The findings revealed that almost three in five adults (57%) are increasingly concerned that the health and physical activity levels of young people are deteriorating.

In a separate poll from ukactive and kids’ insight agency, Beano Brain, just 37% of children agreed their parents are ‘fit and healthy’, suggesting that adults need to take a look at their own activity levels and the example they set.

The findings come as the nation celebrated the theme for National Fitness Day 2024, ‘Your Health is for Life’, which highlighted the importance of lifelong health and physical activity, no matter what your age, background or ability. As part of the campaign, thousands of free activities took place across the UK on 18 September at gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, schools and workplaces, as well as online, to encourage more people to get moving. To find out more about National Fitness Day, visit [www.nationalfitnessday.com.](http://www.nationalfitnessday.com/)