This text was written by a TecMundo columnist; Learn more at the end.
Recently, stereotypes have been created regarding the period in which we were born. It is natural that we are influenced by our behaviors, values and attitudes when we are born. Six generations and their birth periods are currently recognized:
Based on the recognition of generations and their characteristics, the following questions arise: Which one pays more attention to your health? Who uses screens the most? Which ones are most worried about work? What about free time? Which generation does the most physical activity?
As for the last question, it is striking how the need for physical movement has decreased over the decades. I am writing this while the machines are running in my house: laundry, dishes, and the robot vacuum cleaner cleans the house, so I practically do not spend energy on household chores. For a generation before mine, say, my grandmother’s generation, this wasn’t even possible.
Although I make little effort at home, I devote one or more hours of my day to exercise; This is a concept whose importance has changed over the generations. We are surrounded by people from almost every generation and there are many examples around us; However, it is very important to refer to scientific evidence on the subject to go beyond empirical and individual observations.
Research on physical activity
A study conducted in the Netherlands analyzed the sports participation of different generations born between 1920 and 1999. Through analysis of three Dutch population databases, the researchers noticed sharp differences between people’s birth periods (they do not use the terms mentioned above in the study). Younger generations do more sports than older people.
The prevalence of weekly exercise in those born between 1990 and 1999 was higher than other generations. In the Netherlands, younger generations are better at physical activity than older people.
Generation Y and Generation Z came to the fore. Among the explanations of the result,There is greater awareness and attention to the benefits of physical activityas well as more opportunities for young people in terms of practice type and locations.
Younger generations in Canada are also more active in their leisure time and transportation, but they are also more sedentary as they spend more time sitting, especially Generation Z. For researchers, attention should be paid to those born between 1975 and 1984, that is, generations X and Y, to increase mobility in their lives.
According to a 2018 U.S. Physical Activity Council report, Millennials (46%) are the most active, followed by Gen Z (45%), Gen X (44%), and Boomers (31%). Perhaps Millennials’ pursuit of exercise is related to their mental health, as these adults have a high prevalence of anxiety and depression and may seek movement as a treatment.
Latest data confirms that the most active generations are Millennials and Generation Z, the so-called “active generations” who represent approximately 80% of gym members. Millennials are called fitness fanatics largely because they love to exercise.
For us, exercise isn’t just about health, it’s also about socialization and fun.
In Brazil, years ago when we asked bodybuilders in gyms what motivated them to train, the most frequently cited reasons were: disease prevention, physical condition, entertainment, stress control, appearance, weight control, commitment, competition, health rehabilitation and social recognition.
The reasons for disease prevention, body weight control, stress control, social relations and health rehabilitation were related to the age of those doing physical exercise, and these became more important as age progressed.
These results seem consistent with the hypothesis that in the past physical activity (any movement of the body) was more necessary during life activities, at work and through domestic activities at home. When almost everything became automated, our movements were reduced to a minimum.
Exercise appears as an alternative to daily lack of movement. Younger generations are already aware of the importance of physical exercise and more opportunities. The truth is, we may have different reasons for exercising, but we all have the same need to move, regardless of generation.
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Fábio Dominski He holds a PhD in Human Movement Sciences and a degree in Physical Education from Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). He is a university professor and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (LAPE/UDESC). he is doing scientific dissemination on social media there podcast available on Spotify. Author of Physical Exercise and Science – Facts and Myths.
Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.