Making the Case for Active Living Communities

At first glance, a dearth of sidewalks may not seem like a significant public health concern. However, the disappearance of sidewalks is one of many environmental barriers to active living that transform the health of American communities in powerful ways. Evidence shows that physical activity brings substantial health benefits to people of all ages. However, much more needs to be done to create opportunities and enhance existing community structures to support physical activity. Environments that promote active living help us all--from children who need safe routes for walking and biking to school, to busy adults who might leave cars at home if they had pathways linking them to local destinations, to older adults who can maintain functional independence longer through routine walking. In each scenario, the critical role of something as basic as sidewalks becomes clear. Through research and demonstration programs, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is focusing on active living as a top-priority health concern. This emphasis has evolved primarily in response to America's overweight and obesity crisis, and the serious associated health risks. KW: SR2S Read More: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.93.9.1386