How to increase physical activity?
Both, society in general and individuals can take action to increase physical activity. In 2013, WHO Member States agreed to a target of reducing insufficient physical activity by 10% by 2025 and included strategies to achieve such in the "Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020".
Policies to increase physical activity aim to ensure that:
•in cooperation with relevant sectors physical activity is promoted through activities of daily living;
•walking, cycling and other forms of active transportation are accessible and safe for all;
•labour and workplace policies encourage physical activity;
•schools have safe spaces and facilities for students to spend their free time actively;
•quality physical education supports children to develop behaviour patterns that will keep them physically active throughout their lives; and
•sports and recreation facilities provide opportunities for everyone to do sports.
Policies and plans to address physical inactivity have been developed in about 80% of WHO Member States, though these were operational in only 56% of the countries in 2013. National and local authorities are also adopting policies in a range of sectors to promote and facilitate physical activity.