Why don’t more Europeans take part in regular sports and exercise? Are the current levels of physical inactivity in Europe sustainable? Who should pay for healthcare costs if you don’t exercise and keep fit? And is there anything governments can do to encourage YOU to keep physically active and stay healthy?
With Europe’s healthcare systems suffering the strains of an ageing population and tightening budgets, policymakers are increasingly turning to ‘preventative’ public health interventions, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that governments actively promote physical activity and healthy diets as a way to improve the health of citizens. In Europe, our sedentary lifestyles are a particular cause of concern, and physical inactivity can lead to a range of health issues including diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
In this series of debates, brought to you by Debating Europe and the ISCA (International Sport and Culture Association), we will look at physical inactivity and public health in Europe. So share your views with us and join the debate!