Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

Physical Activity

 

Most of us know that physical activity is good for our body, mind and spirit. Yet over half of Nova Scotians are not physically active enough to enjoy health benefits.

We spend more time sitting at work, in cars, and in front of television, computers and video games. Labour-saving devices like lawnmowers and snow blowers further limit physical activity.

Community and building design has engineered physical movement out of our daily lives. Our choice is instant when it comes to using escalators and elevators; sometimes the stairs are not visible or accessible.

Fewer kids walk or bike to school. Adults are driving easy walking distances. Other common challenges to being active are lack of time, poor access to facilities and costs associated with recreational activities.

That is the unfortunate news. The good news is that there are Nova Scotians who regularly include physical activity into their days. They are champions who can make a positive impact to their family, friends and colleagues. There is more good news. Governments and many organizations with staff or volunteers are committed to improving opportunities for physical activity, recreation and sport for Nova Scotians of all ages.

The Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation responsibility centre of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection is committed to physical activity to improve health outcomes and overall quality of living. HPP supports physical activity in Nova Scotia through:

  • Developing comprehensive strategies and frameworks (e.g. Active Kids Healthy Kids)
  • Developing policy and providing advice to the non-government sector
  • Funding infrastructure development (e.g. trails, recreation facilities)
  • Funding programs that encourage physical activity
  • Developing sport, active recreation and fitness leaders (e.g. coaching, leadership)
  • Developing organizational capacity in the municipal and non-government sectors
  • Developing programs for training and participation

Physical activity is one of the most valuable personal practices to promote better health and prevent illness. A physically inactive person is at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, depression and premature disability. Eating healthy and being physically active maintains a healthy weight. Many studies have shown that people who are obese have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, colon, breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Learn more:

Children, Youth and their Families
Adults (includes workplace)
Older Adults/Seniors

 

Children, Youth and their Families

Nova Scotia has a physical activity strategy for children in their early years to 18 years old and their families. Active Kids Healthy Kids is a comprehensive strategy shared by government, non-government organizations and residents of Nova Scotia.

 

Adults

In Nova Scotia, 49% of adults ages 20 to 64 are physically active enough to benefit their health. There are regional differences. The women are slightly more active than men, but there is little difference.

Adults can stay healthy or improve their health with 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-effort physical activity done daily in 10 minute sessions or all at once. The activities should improve endurance, flexibility and strength.

Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults is available to the public for free. The Guide offers easy ways to increase physical activity and describes the kinds of activity needed to maintain good health.

 

Workplace

Increasingly employers are supporting workplace wellness. Here are key links:

Currently there is not a provincial strategy expressly for adults however there are several initiatives from Active Kids Healthy Kids that speak to adults such as Walkabout, Move More and Make a Move. There are municipalities developing physical activity plans, some of which address adults.

 

Older Adults/Seniors

In Nova Scotia, 30% of adults age 65 and up are physically active. This is a big drop from adults ages 45 to 64; 47% of this group are active enough. 10% less women than men over 65 are active. The drop in women's activity happens in the 45 to 64 age range when 48.5% are active, whereas only 26% 65 and older are active. There are regional differences worthy of noting with a 29% difference between the lowest and highest rated regions.

Older adults can stay healthy or improve their health by 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-effort physical activity done daily in 10 minute sessions or all at once. The activities should improve endurance, flexibility and strength.

Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults is available to the public for free. The Guide offers easy ways to increase physical activity and describes kinds of activity and how much is needed to maintain good health.

The Department of Seniors collaborates with many organizations and government departments to promote and support physical activity among seniors. The Connecting Seniors to Active Living Project lays the groundwork for improving active living and physical activity levels of older adults in Nova Scotia. It was led by Recreation Nova Scotia with support from and in collaboration with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and Department of Seniors.