Active People, Healthy Nation℠ At a Glance | Active People, Healthy Nation | CDC
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Mar. 27, 2026
Active People, Healthy Nation℠ is a national initiative led by CDC to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. Increased physical activity can improve health and quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.
Too few Americans get the recommended amount of physical activity. Nationally, 1 in 4 adults meet the combined aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. About 31 million adults 50 or older are inactive, meaning they get no physical activity beyond that of daily living.
Physical inactivity costs lives & dollars
Inactivity contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths. Inadequate levels of physical activity are associated with $192 billion in annual health care costs.
Many Americans do not have safe or convenient places to be active
Only 39% of the US population lives within half a mile of a park. Only 40% of school-aged youth who live a mile or less from school report that they usually walk to school.
Physical activity benefits all Americans
Children
Improves aerobic fitness
Improves muscular fitness
Improves bone health
Promotes favorable body composition
Improves attention and some measures of academic performance (with school physical activity programs)
Adults
Lowers risk of high blood pressure
Lowers risk of stroke
Improves aerobic fitness
Improves mental health
Improves cognitive function
Reduces arthritis symptoms
Prevents weight gain
Older adults
Reduces risk of falling
Improves balance
Improves joint mobility
Extends years of active life
Helps prevent weak bones and muscle loss
Delays onset of cognitive decline
Communities
Economic benefits
Building active and walkable communities can help:
Increase levels of retail economic activity and employment
Increase property values
Support neighborhood revitalization
Reduce health care costs
Safety
Walkable communities can improve safety for people who walk or roll in wheelchairs, ride bicycles, and drive.
Workforce
Physically active people tend to take fewer sick days.
Mar. 27, 2026
Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)
