CDC releases survey results for physical activity levels by age
June 23, 2015 | Evidence in Integrative Healthcare
The CDC has just released data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) showing the percentage by age of survey respondents who say they meet US Preventive Services Taskforce recommendations for physical activity. Compared to the NHIS from 2008 the recent numbers show slight increases in all age groups, however in the most active age group (18-44), less than 25% of respondents met “both aerobic-activity and muscle-strengthening.” The guidelines recommend moderate-intensity physical activity for ≥150 minutes per week, vigorous-intensity physical activity for ≥75 minutes per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity, and engaging in physical activities specifically designed to strengthen muscles at least twice per week. Even fewer seniors (>65) meet activity goals with only less than 15% reporting adequate physical activity.