Skip to Main Content

Building Healthy Habits: Why Active Children Become Active Adults

By Jonathan Thompson October 09, 2016 Posted in: Family Health , Article

If you're a parent, your kids' health is a top priority, and one of today's major long-term health concerns is obesity. Americans' waistlines have been expanding dramatically in recent decades -- nearly 70 percent of American adults are now overweight or obese. But perhaps even more alarming are the statistics related to childhood obesity: Since 1980, obesity rates have more than doubled among two- to five-year-olds and tripled among six- to 19-year-olds.

The good news? A growing body of research shows that active children become healthy, active adults. Let's examine some of the findings so you can better understand how to instill habits in your kids that will help keep them healthy for a lifetime.

An Early Start

One of the most enlightening studies performed on this topic followed 712 healthy, active, 25-year-old men beginning in the 1940s. More than 50 years later, the researchers revisited the subjects and examined their current state of health. The study found that the men who had been active as teenagers -- particularly those who played varsity sports -- spent less time at the doctor's office later in life. Those who were athletic in youth were also more likely to remain active even into their late 70s.

Interestingly, the study initially intended to identify particular personality traits that led to being healthier and more active in later life -- the discovery of the connection between physical activity earlier and later in life was a happy, helpful accident. But there was one personality trait that stood out: Subjects who saw themselves as adventurous tended to be more active later in life.

What Can You Do?

It's clear that encouraging kids to be active early in life can help them stay lean and healthy later on. As a parent, how can you encourage your children to get out and move?

First, find an activity that they enjoy and will be able to maintain for years down the road. Cycling, hiking, and lower-impact sports such as tennis are accessible activities that can be scaled to your child's interests and abilities, and they should be able to keep doing them as they get older. Try to foster a sense of adventure and excitement around physical activity.

Perhaps the most effective thing you can do to encourage physical activity in your child is be active yourself. One study found that active mothers were much more likely to have active children -- each hour that a mom stayed active translated to about 10 minutes of added activity for their kids.

Family activities are a perfect way to get everyone up, moving, and spending time together. Perhaps more importantly, bringing up active children and fostering healthy habits early on will give your kids a foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives.

5 Questions Women Should Ask Their Primary Care Physician

MAR 01, 2023

Going to the doctor can be stressful. Whether for a general exam or a specific health problem, there is often so much information to process that we don't think to ask questions during our visit or simply feel embarrassed to ask.

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | 5 Questions Women Should Ask Their Primary Care Physician

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

SEP 12, 2022

It's important to remember that vitamins and supplements cannot take the place of a healthy diet. For example, pregnant women should eat multiple servings of fresh green vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Higher doses of certain vitami...

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | *

Breastfeeding for Working Moms: 5 Tips to Guide You

SEP 12, 2022

It's often said that breastfeeding is a full-time job. And in those first few weeks of motherhood, when it feels like you're feeding constantly, it certainly can be. But what happens a few months later when you have to go back to work?

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | How to Make Breastfeeding for Working Moms Easy