Physical Activity Fast Facts: Moving Toward a Healthier Future

We live in a time when movement is medicine. Yet, the numbers tell a sobering story: only 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. are meeting the national guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Just as concerning, another 1 in 4 adults do no physical activity at all in their free time.

But here’s the good news: every step, stretch, or lift you take counts. Physical activity isn’t just about fitness — it’s about reclaiming our health, strengthening our communities, and opening doors to opportunities we can all share in.

The science is clear: regular movement prevents chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Just one session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity delivers immediate benefits — reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and lowering blood pressure. Imagine what happens when you make it a lifelong habit.

Emerging research even shows that exercise boosts the immune system, equipping your body to stay resilient against illness. Physical activity doesn’t just add years to your life; it adds quality to those years.

Inadequate physical activity costs the U.S. healthcare system $117 billion every year. On the flip side, raising youth sports participation rates from 50% to 63% could save $80 billion in direct health costs and add 1.8 million quality years of life.

When we invest in movement — whether through parks, trails, gyms, or community programs — we’re investing in stronger, healthier futures for everyone.

The path forward is clear: we must build a culture where physical activity is accessible, celebrated, and integrated into daily life. Together, we can shift the statistics — not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

Part 2: Building Strong Foundations for Youth and Older Adults

Physical activity is not just a personal choice. It is a foundation for lifelong health. When young people and older adults miss out on opportunities to move, our communities lose resilience, strength, and vitality.

The statistics are striking. Only 1 in 6 high school students fully meet the physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Even fewer, just 1 in 5 participate in daily school physical education.

This matters. Active youth are healthier, more confident, and better prepared to lead. Participation in sports or structured activities also builds social skills and resilience. Today, just over half of kids and teens (54.7%) report being on a sports team or taking lessons in the past year. That is progress, but we can and must do better.

By investing in youth programs, schools, and safe places to play, we ensure every child has the chance to build a healthy relationship with movement.

On the other side of the age spectrum, 41% of older adults with reduced physical or cognitive function are still engaging in some level of physical activity. That is inspiring proof that it is never too late to move.

Regular activity helps older adults maintain independence, prevent falls, and reduce healthcare costs. In fact, even a 10% increase in activity among people 65 and older could lower Medicare costs by 1% in just a few years. Movement is both a personal and national investment.

Youth and older adults may seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but they share one truth: movement is essential at every age. Whether it is making sure kids have recess or helping older adults find safe and supportive exercise programs, we all have a role to play.

Physical activity does not just change lives; it transforms communities. When movement is woven into the design of our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, everyone benefits.

Only 1 in 5 adults currently walk or bike to get places. But when communities are designed to be walkable, they do more than support health. They also strengthen local economies, foster connections, and attract businesses. Every park, trail, and greenway is an investment in collective well-being, returning more than $3 in benefits for every $1 spent.

The need for movement even extends to national security. Right now, only 2 in 5 young adults are physically prepared for basic military training. Ensuring that future generations are active is about health, readiness, resilience, and opportunity.

The stakes could not be higher. About 110,000 premature deaths every year could be prevented if adults over 40 were more active. Physical inactivity contributes to nearly 8% of all deaths among adults ages 40 to 69, and nearly as many for older adults. Movement is life-saving.

We know what works. We know what is at stake. And we know the power of action. From creating safe spaces to walk and play, to ensuring schools and workplaces prioritize wellness, to supporting programs for older adults, we have the tools to turn the tide.

Now is the moment to act with confidence, to uplift every voice, and to ignite a movement that makes physical activity a part of daily life for everyone. Together, we can build healthier communities, prevent chronic disease, and create a future defined not by limitations but by possibilities.