Living inactive lives has become a serious concern for over 20 crore Indians, as revealed by a recent national survey. According to the survey conducted by Dalberg Advisors and Sports and Society Accelerator, a large portion of the population fails to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended physical activity levels.
The WHO suggests that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, while children and adolescents should aim for 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Unfortunately, millions of Indians are falling short of these standards, particularly girls in urban areas.
This blog delves into the various factors contributing to the inactive lives of Indians, the consequences of this trend, and the potential solutions to address the issue. The focus keyword “living inactive lives” will be explored extensively to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
The Scale of Inactivity in India
India, a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, is facing a significant public health crisis. The survey highlighted that over 20 crore Indians are living inactive lives, meaning they are not engaging in sufficient physical activity to maintain their health. Urban areas, in particular, exhibit much higher inactivity rates compared to rural regions.
This urban-rural divide can be attributed to several factors, including lifestyle differences, lack of access to public spaces, and cultural attitudes toward physical activity. One of the most striking findings of the survey is the gender gap in physical activity. Girls, especially those in urban settings, are disproportionately affected by inactivity.
The challenges they face range from safety concerns to societal expectations, limiting their opportunities for physical exercise. This gender disparity has far-reaching consequences, not only for the health of individuals but also for the overall well-being of communities.
Cultural Bias and Academic Pressure
The survey also uncovered a significant cultural bias that contributes to many Indians living inactive lives. In India, there is a strong emphasis on academic success, often at the expense of physical well-being. Nearly 1 in 5 parents believe that their child should prioritize studying over playtime. This mindset has deep-rooted cultural origins, with academic achievement being viewed as the primary path to success.
Swetha Totapally, regional director for Dalberg Advisors, stressed the importance of debunking the myth that physical activity hinders academic performance. On the contrary, she pointed out that physical exercise enhances cognitive function, mood, and stamina, all of which can boost academic success. When children and adolescents are encouraged to be physically active, they experience improved focus and energy, which can positively influence their studies.
Living inactive lives not only affects children’s health but also perpetuates the belief that academic achievement must come at the cost of physical well-being. This cultural mindset needs to be addressed to encourage a more balanced approach to education and physical activity.
The Barriers Faced by Girls
Girls in urban areas are particularly vulnerable to living inactive lives due to several barriers. These barriers include a lack of accessible public spaces, societal expectations, and safety concerns. Many girls, especially as they reach adolescence, are burdened with increased household responsibilities, leaving them with little time for physical activity. In addition, the belief that physical activity is only for boys is still prevalent in some parts of India.
In rural Tamil Nadu, for example, girls reported being discouraged from playing sports with boys. Teachers and community members often reinforce gender stereotypes, limiting the opportunities for girls to engage in physical activity. This gender-based discrimination further contributes to the inactive lives of girls in both urban and rural areas.
In cities, safety concerns are another significant factor. Many public spaces, including parks, are poorly maintained, with inadequate lighting and safety measures. Unruly crowds and the lack of basic amenities deter people, especially girls and women, from using these spaces for physical activity. As a result, many girls in urban areas remain confined to their homes, living inactive lives that affect their long-term health and well-being.
The Impact of Living Inactive Lives on Health
Living inactive lives has a profound impact on both physical and mental health. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. According to the WHO, insufficient physical activity is one of the leading causes of preventable death globally. In India, the rise in non-communicable diseases can be partially attributed to the inactive lifestyles of millions of people.
Beyond physical health, inactive lives also affect mental well-being. Regular physical activity is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves sleep quality and overall mood. For children and adolescents, engaging in physical activity helps build social skills, confidence, and resilience. However, when individuals are living inactive lives, they miss out on these crucial benefits, which can negatively impact their mental health.
The Need for Public Spaces and School Integration
One of the critical findings of the survey is the lack of access to clean and safe public spaces for physical activity. Seventy percent of people surveyed expressed a preference for public spaces to be within 15 minutes of their homes.
However, in many urban areas, particularly in cities like Delhi, parks and recreational areas are often unclean, poorly lit, and lack basic facilities. The absence of accessible public spaces contributes to the inactive lives of many Indians, especially in urban environments.
Schools also play a significant role in shaping children’s activity levels. The survey revealed that 67% of students reported a lack of sports equipment in their schools, while 21% mentioned the absence of playgrounds. The lack of proper infrastructure for physical activity in schools exacerbates the problem of living inactive lives.
Additionally, gender-based discrimination in schools, where girls are often discouraged from participating in sports, further limits their opportunities for physical activity.
To combat this trend, schools need to integrate physical activity into the daily routine of students. Ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, have access to sports facilities, playgrounds, and physical education programs is essential. Encouraging a culture of physical activity in schools can help address the issue of inactive lives from a young age.
Reimagining Physical Activity in India
Desh Gaurav Sekhri, co-founder of Sports and Society Accelerator, emphasized the need to reimagine physical activity in India. He pointed out that in India, physical activity is often confused with sport, which is associated with competition and excellence. However, physical activity should be viewed as a means to improve health and well-being, not just as a competitive endeavor.
By shifting the focus from competition to health, more people can be encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Whether it’s walking, cycling, yoga, or recreational sports, the emphasis should be on staying active rather than achieving excellence in a particular sport. This broader perspective on physical activity can help address the issue of living inactive lives across all demographics in India.
The Economic Impact of Inactive Lives
Living inactive lives not only affects individual health but also has broader economic implications. Physical inactivity leads to increased healthcare costs due to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases. As the burden of non-communicable diseases rises, the healthcare system is strained, leading to higher public and private spending.
Furthermore, the loss of productivity due to inactive lives can have a negative impact on the national economy. When individuals are physically unfit, they are more likely to experience absenteeism from work, lower energy levels, and reduced cognitive function. Encouraging physical activity can boost workforce productivity and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
Moving Towards a Healthier Future
Addressing the issue of living inactive lives requires a multi-faceted approach that involves the government, schools, communities, and families. Public policies that promote physical activity, such as the development of safe and accessible public spaces, are essential.
Schools should integrate physical education programs into their curriculum, ensuring that all students, especially girls, have opportunities for physical activity.
Families also play a crucial role in shaping the activity levels of children. Parents need to recognize the importance of physical activity for their children’s overall development and well-being. Shifting the cultural mindset that prioritizes academics over physical health is vital to fostering a more active and healthy population.
Living inactive lives has become a pressing issue for over 20 crore Indians, particularly girls in urban areas. The consequences of physical inactivity are far-reaching, affecting both individual health and the national economy. To address this problem, a concerted effort is needed to promote physical activity across all demographics.
By providing access to clean and safe public spaces, integrating physical activity into schools, and challenging cultural biases, India can move towards a healthier and more active future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏