‘Significant growth in activity levels for older adults and disabled people but more work needed to support those living in the most deprived places.’ Sport England
Covering the period November 2023 to November 2024, Sport England’s Active Lives Adult survey shows that 63.7% of adults in England achieved the recommended 150+ minutes of physical activity a week. This means that 2.4 million more adults are being active on a regular basis since the survey started in 2016. In Kent and Medway, 62.7% of adults are achieving this recommendation, meaning 71,900 adults are now more active since 2016.
Nationally, since baseline, there has been a growth in activity levels for older adults and people who are disabled or living with a long-term health condition. Fitness activities and running have seen an increase in the last 12 months, whilst active travel and cycling for leisure has fallen. Swimming and team sports have stabilised whilst volunteering continues to grow.
However, nationally 36.3% of adults are not active enough. Locally, this figure is 37.3% and inequalities still remain. Women, those from lower socio-economic groups and Black and Asian people are still less likely to be active. We also know that active people are more likely to be happier, have higher self-esteem, be more trusting and positive about their communities than inactive people.
To address these inequalities and to enable everyone to benefit physically and mentally from an active lifestyle, Active Kent & Medway, has been, and continues to work with organisations to support under-represented groups:
- Move Together, Kent and Medway’s strategy for sport and physical activity, coordinated by Active Kent & Medway, sets out how we can all work together to support those who are already active, as well as tackling the inequalities that currently prevent some from enjoying the benefits that moving more can bring.
- Sport England’s recent investment into place will see local partners and community organisations across Kent and Medway come together to break down barriers and boost levels of physical activity among people living in the most deprived and inactive communities. Thanet and Gravesham are included in the first phase of Sport England’s targeted investment programme, selected for being in the top 10% of the country for inactivity, social need, deprivation and health inequality.
- Everyday Active, Active Kent & Medway’s flagship campaign, supports and encourages people to become more active, more often by providing and promoting information on local, inclusive, accessible opportunities, plus tips, advice and personal stories, through the website, social media and with support from Everyday Active Champions. For anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and feel more confident about having conversations with others to help get them more active, training and resources are also available.
Liz Davidson, Active Partnership Director said:
“Whilst we are delighted to see long-term growth in adult activity levels, we recognise that there is still lots to be done to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being physically active. Kent has two places included in the first phase of Sport England’s Place Partnerships programme and the county will also benefit more broadly from the Place Universal offer.
We look forward to strengthening our understanding of place and using a system-based approach to increasing activity levels across our communities. Targeting efforts and resources where the need is greatest, whilst working in collaboration with local partners to realise our vision of more people, more active, more often.“
Stephanie Peacock, Sports Minister, response to the national figures:
“We want adults from all walks of life to be able to access sport and get active. The data shows that we need to do more. The government will place tackling inactivity at the heart of our preventative health agenda, and we will work to empower local communities to have the facilities, resources and support they need so that everyone can lead a healthy and active life.” (source: Sport England)
