Key issues
a) Adults in North Tyneside are more likely to be inactive than England overall, but children are more active
In North Tyneside, 62.2% of adults are physically active, this has decreased from the previous reporting period and is lower than the England value of 67.1%.
The picture is more positive for children, with 53.8% achieving at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day through play, sports and other activities. This is higher than the England value and an increase on the previous reporting period. See Section 5 for more detail.
There are many reasons why some people are not able to reach recommended levels of physical activity in their lives. It is now harder for a lot of people to include physical activity in their daily lives. There are also financial barriers for some residents, and these challenges have increased with the recent cost-of-living crisis.
b) There are inequalities in who is active
Unfortunately, we know that some people are more likely to be inactive than others. Some communities are also disproportionately affected by the health conditions that can result from being less active and some groups are also more likely to be living with excess weight. Inequalities in physical activity can start in childhood. See section 4 for more detail.
c) Our population is ageing
Staying active is a key feature of healthy ageing and the population of North Tyneside is ageing. As well as helping to prevent and manage health conditions, physical activity promotes healthy ageing by helping maintain muscle mass, bone density, mobility, strength and balance, and reduces the risk of falls and fractures. Physical activity also improves brain function, including memory and attention and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. See section 7 for more detail.