Research reveals that children’s activity levels drop around age seven, highlighting the importance of fostering active lifestyles early to combat rising inactivity and prevent long-term health issues.
Children may be slipping out of an active lifestyle earlier than many parents realise. Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland found that physical activity often starts to decline at about seven years old, around the time children begin school, according to the university’s summary of the study.
That finding matters because habits formed early can become hard to shift. The researchers said the drop in movement suggests children should be encouraged before inactivity becomes routine. The study also pointed to parents as a key influence on whether children stay involved in sport and other exercise, while arguing that more sports clubs for children could help keep activity levels up.
The advice from health authorities is clear. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children and young people aged five to 18 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. That can include walking, cycling, active play, school sport and other forms of movement, with muscle- and bone-strengthening activity on at least three days a week.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives similar guidance for children and teenagers aged six to 17, including daily exercise and regular activities that build strength. The message from both sets of recommendations is that movement should be part of everyday life, not treated as an occasional extra, especially once children reach school age.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
