Active Lives Adult Survey

Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey measures the sport and physical activity levels of adults aged 16+ across England. Released once a year the most recent survey looked at the period November 2023 to November 2024 and was released in April 2025.

Follow this link to access the Sport England Active Lives information and resources

National Figures

There is a long-term growth in activity levels, but action is still needed to tackle inequalities. 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. However, there are still a quarter (25.1%) of adults doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.  

• Since baseline, the number of older adults aged 55+ who are meeting Chief Medical Officer guidelines has increased from 51% to 58%. Whilst the number of people who are disabled or living with a long-term health condition has increased from 44% to 48%. 

• Fitness activities and running have seen an increase, whilst active travel and cycling for leisure has fallen in last 12 months. 

• Small increase in volunteering last 12 months but still down since 2016-17 high point. 

• Active people more likely to be happier, have higher self-esteem, be more trusting and positive about their communities than inactive people.

However, inequalities still remain. Women, those from lower socio-economic groups, Black and Asian people are still less likely to be active. When a person has two or more of these characteristics, such as black disabled person or an Asian man from lower socio-economic group, the results are compounded.

Local Figures

In Kent and Medway, the results are similar. 62.7% of adults are active and experiencing the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. However, 26% are inactive. 

• Dover saw the greatest increase in active adults.

• Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Folkestone & Hythe are the most active districts. 

• Gravesham saw greatest increase in inactive adults.

• Dartford, Thanet, Swale and Gravesham most the inactive districts. 

Active Kent & Medway is committed to tackling inactivity and reducing the inequalities in sport and physical activity across the county.

Follow this link to see how we’re tackling inequalities in Kent and Medway

If you would like to explore trends over time, specific activities, audiences and places, please take a look at Sport England’s Active Lives Online Tool.