The results published in the latest report 'MultiSPort Index 2024: Sportkrastynacja' indicate that the percentage of Poles who do not engage in any physical activity (not even walking) has remained stable at 36 percent for several years. The most common reasons for inactivity include: lack of time (28 percent) due to work, childcare and household chores, and illness (26 percent). Every 10th respondent from the inactive group stated that they did not want to engage in physical activity. As many as 36 percent could not explain why they were inactive. Research for the report has been conducted since 2018 and aims to monitor the physical and sports activity of Poles.

The highest percentage of inactive Poles (not engaging in physical activity even once a month) was recorded in the generation known as baby boomers (born in the years 1946-1964) - 57 percent of inactive people, and in generation X (born in the years 1965-1980) - 42 percent of inactive people.

In a statement for PAP, Professor Ernest Kuchar, a sports medicine and infectious diseases expert from the Medical University of Warsaw, points out that the tendency towards lower activity that progresses with age may result from both deteriorating condition and the onset of chronic diseases, e.g. circulatory system, bone and joint or metabolic diseases. This is confirmed by data from the 'MultiSport Index 2024: Sportkrastynacja' report.

'The youngest generation studied in the report, Gen Z, practically does not mention chronic diseases as a problem (rather lack of time or injury), while among the oldest, disease is already perceived as a significant factor limiting the possibility of movement', the expert says.

He adds that differences in activity between generations can also be attributed to civilization changes that have occurred in the last few decades. 'They have transformed the approach to physical activity and our lifestyle. The older generation does not perceive movement as a way of active leisure, but as an effort associated with physical work. In their youth, it was an everyday occurrence, and thanks to gaining education or retirement, they no longer have to do it', Kuchar explains.

He reminds that 40 or 50 years ago, the vast majority of people worked physically, and in addition, the lack of extensive public transport and low availability of cars meant that the majority had much more exercise than today. 'The paradox of physical work, however, is that - unlike recreational physical activity - it does not bring health benefits, especially when it is monotonous and difficult', Professor Ernest Kuchar emphasises. He adds that older generations often underestimate the importance of physical activity focused on prevention and regeneration, which can significantly improve the quality of life. 'This is because they associate it with hard and exhausting physical work', he says.

Joanna Gutral, PhD, a psychologist, psychotherapist and psychoeducator, agrees. 'People from the baby boomer generation and generation X had a different lifestyle and way of functioning. More professions were associated with physical work, and movement and spontaneous activity were also embedded in the way they moved around. Digitisation and modern conveniences make it easier to +sit+ within four walls', the expert believes. According to her, this is also facilitated by the lack of education and awareness of the importance of movement in health prevention, communication barriers, social stereotypes and beliefs about age, and the associated limitations.

'The second important factor behind such low physical activity among people from generation X and the so-called 'baby boomers' is the misperception of chronic disease as an absolute contraindication to exercise', says Professor Ernest Kuchar. He points out that the older generation often believes that chronic disease - regardless of its type and degree of advancement - means that one must completely give up physical activity.

'This misconception stems from fears of health deterioration, exacerbation of disease symptoms or increased risk of injury. In reality, however, physical activity appropriately adjusted to individual capabilities is an essential part of therapy, alleviating many symptoms and ailments and improving the quality of life', the expert explains. Therefore, chronic disease is not a contraindication to physical activity; quite the opposite - it is recommended.

Lack of regular physical activity in the long term leads to reduced body efficiency, muscle weakness, increased body fat, worse glycemia control in people with diabetes and a number of other adverse changes that together worsen the prognosis and shorten life expectancy.

According to the expert, regular exercise of tailored, low or moderate intensity is recommended for elderly or chronically ill people, helping to improve the functioning of the circulatory system, improve joint flexibility and increase muscle strength. It will also help control metabolic parameters and has a positive effect on mood, well-being, sleep and general mental state.

'This can be a walk, a leisurely ride on a training bike, water exercises or appropriately selected fitness classes. It is crucial that the patient takes up activity after consulting specialists who will select the intensity, frequency and type of exercise according to their capabilities and limitations', the expert explains.

Recommendations of this type have been adopted in developed countries under the name of 'prescription for health', where doctors recommend exercise, dosing it similarly to prescription drugs. Kuchar points out that chronic disease is not a uniform concept. 'Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma or heart disease differ not only in pathogenesis, but also in the limitations and the patient's individual tolerance of exercise', he says.

Therefore, in his opinion, the approach to physical activity of a chronically ill person must always be personalised. 'The general rule (with a few exceptions, such as acute myocarditis) is that every sick person in a stable state of health should move', he says.

The experts emphasise that education is necessary in order to change the approach of older generations to physical activity. It will focus on highlighting the differences between old physical work and modern physical activity. Physical work is exhausting, monotonous, often harmful to health. On the other hand, physical activity is safe, diverse, improves health and well-being, Professor Ernest Kuchar explains.

'Movement is no longer hard work - it has become a pleasant way to spend time and an investment in health. Older generations must learn to see this difference and convince themselves that physical activity is a chance for a long, healthy life, and not an obligation associated with the need for hard physical work. The key is a change of mentality and systemic support', the specialist believes.

Joanna Gutral emphasises that education and social support should focus on mutual motivation to move, but also creating a space that will make it easier for more mature generations to take up activity. 'These can be, for example, classes created exclusively for the elderly or places where physical activity is combined with pleasure and social activation. And I am not just talking about gyms', she explains.

According to her, activity also means walks with friends, family or neighbours, group classes. It is facilitated by sports facilities offering support, outdoor gyms, which are becoming more and more visible and popular in urban spaces.

'The American National Institute on Aging indicates that the popularisation of activity among seniors is developing thanks to social learning: by observing others, we normalise this attitude, and by repeating it, it has a chance of becoming a habit', the expert says.

Professor Ernest Kuchar adds that it is worth encouraging older generations to take small steps - minor, beneficial, feasible lifestyle changes, such as regular walks, even short ones, or Nordic walking.

'A gradual approach can help break down mental barriers and build healthy habits. It is also important to promote the social aspects of activity, e.g. group classes for seniors, which increase motivation and counteract social isolation', he explains.

According to the expert, the key message is that it is never too late to start moving. 'Even people who have avoided exercise for years will benefit from introducing moderate activity into their daily routine', Professor Ernest Kuchar concludes. (PAP)

Science in Poland

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