Survey: One in Three Young Adults Are Minimally Active, Parents Report

A recent national poll reveals that a significant number of young adults are struggling to stay physically active, with parents identifying key barriers to movement.

The poll found that one in three parents report their child aged 18 to 25 is minimally active or inactive.

The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health surveyed 1,550 parents in February. This nationally representative poll includes parents with at least one child in the 18 to 25 age range.

Reported Barriers to Activity

Parents cited several reasons for their young adult children's lack of physical activity. The most common challenges were:

• Lack of time
• Lack of interest
• Screen time or gaming

Parents of minimally active or inactive young adults were more likely to identify lack of interest and screen use as major challenges.

Fewer parents pointed to other barriers, including cost, lack of a workout partner, and health limitations.

How Activity Patterns Shift with Age

According to parent reports, the type of physical activity young adults engage in changes as they get older.

• Young adults aged 18-20 are more likely to participate in organized sports or social activities like dancing or skating.
• Those aged 21 and older are more likely to rely on gym workouts or physical activity related to their jobs.

Mott Poll Co-Director and pediatrician Susan Woolford, M.D., stated this shift may reflect a move from social to more independent forms of activity.

The Role of Parents and Healthcare Providers

Many parents report trying to encourage activity through verbal encouragement, suggesting activities, exercising together, or paying for programs. However, parents of less active young adults are more likely to say these efforts are not successful.

Healthcare providers may be an underutilized resource in this effort. Only about one in four parents say a healthcare provider has discussed physical activity with their child in recent years.

Dr. Woolford stated that healthcare providers could play a role in helping young adults find safe ways to stay active, especially those with health concerns. She noted that encouragement alone is not always sufficient, and finding enjoyable, accessible activities is key to building habits.

The Importance of Habits in Young Adulthood

Dr. Woolford described young adulthood as a challenging time for maintaining activity as structured opportunities like sports and gym classes often diminish after high school.

She stated that physical activity has an impact on overall health and that the habits formed during young adulthood can shape long-term health.