The latest findings from Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey 2024-25 show continued progress in physical activity levels across England, but reinforce the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities, both nationally and across Kent and Medway.
The survey, which measures activity levels among adults aged 16+, shows that 64.6% of adults in England are achieving the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This means that 3.3 million more adults are being active on a regular basis since the survey started in 2016. However, 24.7% of adults remain inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of activity per week.
While this reflects long-term growth in activity levels, the data highlights that inequalities persist, with women, people from lower socio-economic groups, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, and Black and Asian communities still less likely to be active.
In Kent and Medway, the overall picture broadly mirrors national trends. The data shows:
- 63.1% of adults are active, achieving the recommended levels of activity
- 26% of adults are inactive
Although the majority of adults are benefiting from being active, the data reveals clear and persistent inequalities across the county. Some areas are more active than others, with Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks identified as the most active districts. In contrast, Ashford, Maidstone, Medway, Swale and Thanet have the highest levels of inactivity.
There are also differing trends at a local level, with Tonbridge & Malling seeing the greatest increase in active adults, while Ashford has seen the largest increase in inactive adults.
Targeted Local Action
Tackling inactivity and reducing inequalities in sport and physical activity is central to Active Kent & Medway’s work, alongside the county’s Move Together strategy for sport and physical activity.
A key focus is our place-based partnerships, working with communities in areas facing the greatest need, including Medway, Swale, Thanet and Gravesham. By working closely with local partners and residents, this approach aims to better understand the barriers people face and co-design solutions that meet the needs of each community.
Alongside this, we have a range of campaigns and programmes supporting adults who are less likely to be active:
- Forever Active Kent supports adults aged 50+ to stay active, connected and independent for longer.
- Everyday Active promotes free or low cost, accessible ways for people to move more in their daily lives, helping to build confidence and awareness of local opportunities.
- Live Longer Better network brings together partners to support active ageing and embed physical activity into health and care systems.
Active Kent & Medway continues to work with partners across the county, including local authorities, health partners, and community organisations to create the conditions that help people to be more active, more often.
Liz Davidson-Kennett, Director, Active Kent & Medway, said:
“It’s positive to see so many adults across Kent and Medway are active and experiencing the benefits this brings. However, the data clearly shows that inequalities in activity levels remain and that one in four adults are still missing out. We continue to work with communities and partners to tackle these inequalities, particularly in the areas and groups who face the greatest barriers. Through our place-based work and wider programmes, we are helping to create opportunities for people to move more in ways that work for them. We want to ensure that everyone in Kent and Medway has the chance to lead a more active and healthier life.”
Published: June 2026
