In 2022, more than half of adults, 58.7 percent, walked for leisure in the past seven days, and 16.2 percent walked for transportation. This information was shared in a recent report by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Dzifa Adjaye-Gbewonyo, Ph.D., and Elizabeth M. Briones, Ph.D., from the National Center for Health Statistics in Hyattsville, Maryland, analyzed data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. They wanted to understand how many adults walked for leisure and transportation in the past week.
The study revealed that 58.7 percent of adults walked for fun or relaxation. This activity was more common among Asian non-Hispanic adults compared to Black non-Hispanic, other and multiple-race non-Hispanic, and Hispanic adults. The tendency to walk for leisure increased with higher family income and education levels. Additionally, 16.2 percent of adults walked to get from one place to another, with men doing this more than women (17.3 percent of men versus 15.0 percent of women). The highest rates of walking for transportation were seen among adults with family incomes below the federal poverty level (24.1 percent), while the lowest rates were among those with incomes between 200 to 399 percent of the federal poverty level (12.6 percent).
The authors noted, “Walking is a simple and accessible way to gain health benefits. However, the reasons people walk—whether for pleasure or to get somewhere—can vary based on their sociodemographic backgrounds.”
Understanding the Condition:
Walking is a physical activity that helps maintain overall health. It can be done for different reasons, such as leisure or transportation.
- Causes: Walking for leisure might be done for enjoyment, relaxation, or exercise. Walking for transportation usually happens when people need to get to a place like work, school, or the store.
- Symptoms and Signs: Regular walking can lead to improved cardiovascular health, better mood, and increased physical fitness. It can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Treatment and Management: Walking is a recommended activity by many health professionals. To get the most benefit, adults should aim to walk at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Comfortable shoes and a safe walking environment are important. Alternative activities that provide similar benefits include cycling, swimming, and yoga.
Key Insights:
- More than half of adults walked for leisure in the past week.
- Walking for transportation is more common among men than women.
- Higher rates of transportation walking are seen in low-income families.
- Walking is a beneficial activity for physical and mental health.
Source:
National Center for Health Statistics, 2022 National Health Interview Survey.