Yearlong path to healthier daily routines

SEDENTARY ROUTINES now define daily life for millions of people, and health authorities warn the pattern carries growing health risks.

- Mhicole A. Moral

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that physical inactivity stands among the leading risk factors tied to noncommunicable diseases. Adults who do not meet recommended activity levels face a 20% to 30% higher risk of death than those who remain active, according to the agency.

In 2022, about 31% of adults worldwide failed to meet activity guidelines. That figure has risen by roughly five percentage points since 2010. If current patterns hold, inactivity could reach 35% by 2030, placing global targets out of reach and adding pressure to health systems.

Asia-Pacific countries post the highest inactivity rate at 48%, followed by South Asia at 45%. Other regions range from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.

Globally, 34% of women fall short of activity guidelines compared with 29% of men. In some countries, the gap reaches 20 percentage points. Adults ages 60 and older report lower activity levels than younger groups, a trend that draws concern as populations age.

The agency links rising inactivity to social and environmental factors, including city layouts that favor cars over walking, limited public transport and scarce recreation areas. Cost and safety issues also deter participation in sports and exercise programs.