Active Living is Healthy Living.1

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind across the lifespan. Being physically active during childhood is linked to improved health outcomes into adulthood. 2 Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.3 Increasing regular physical activity can prevent disease, improve quality of life, and reduce health care costs.4

The indicator to track physical activity is under development.

Physical Activity – Adolescents

This indicator is under development and the baseline, current rate, and target are to be determined (TBD).

More Data about Physical Activity – Adolescents

Baseline

TBD

Current Rate

TBD

Target

TBD

Physical Activity – Adults

This indicator is under development and the baseline, current rate, and target are to be determined (TBD).

More Data about Physical Activity – Adults

Baseline

TBD

Current Rate

TBD

Target

TBD

Indicator Highlights

Physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, supports healthy weight, lowers risk of chronic disease, and improves mental health and cognitive function.5,6,7

Children and adolescents should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.8,9,10

Adults (18+) should aim for at least 30 minutes, five days a week – or 150 minutes of physical activity a week.8,9,10

Promotion and Education Campaigns

Implement culturally and linguistically appropriate education campaigns to increase awareness about the benefits of regular physical activity, how to build activity into daily life, and strategies for meeting guidelines through walking, sports, aerobics and strength training.1,11,12,13,14

Create Safe and Healthy Environments

Support community design and infrastructure that make walking, biking, play, and active commuting safer and more accessible (e.g., sidewalks, parks and trails, sports complexes and recreation centers) so that people of all ages can be active.15,16,17

Increase Active Living Opportunities

Expand physical education and active living policies and programs in schools and childcare, workplaces, and other community settings.15,16,17

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1. California Department of Public Health. (2025). Family Fitness, Activate!. CalFresh Healthy Living. https://calfreshhealthyliving.cdph.ca.gov/en/Pages/be-active.aspx

2. Cariappa, M. P., Vax, L. S., & Sehgal, P. (2003). Active Childhood for Healthy Adulthood. Medical journal, Armed Forces India, 59(2), 178. Access March 11, 2026 from https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-1237(03)80085-0

3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August 12). About Physical Activity. Physical Activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/php/about/index.html

4. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 30). Active People, Healthy Nation℠. Active People, Healthy Nation. https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/about/index.html#

5. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 4). Benefits of Physical Activity. Physical Activity Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html

6. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 23). Active People, Healthy Nation℠. At a Glance. Active People, Healthy Nation. https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/at-a-glance/index.html#

7. World Health Organization. (2024, June 26). Physical activity. World Health Organization Newsroom. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

8. California Department of Public Health. (2025). How Much Activity?. CalFresh Healthy Living. https://calfreshhealthyliving.cdph.ca.gov/en/tips/Pages/How-Much-Activity.aspx

9. California Department of Public Health. (2025, September 15). Physical Activity Guidelines. Center for Family Health: Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/Preconception/Pages/Physical-Activity-Guidelines.aspx

10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf

11. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 31). Public Health. Active People, Healthy Nation. https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/tools/public-health.html

12. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Tools for Action. Active People, Healthy Nation. https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/tools-for-action/index.html

13. Tuso P. (2015). Strategies to Increase Physical Activity. The Permanente journal, 19(4), 84–88. Accessed March 11, 2026 from https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/14-242

14. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2026, March 11). Move Your Way. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://odphp.health.gov/moveyourway/get-kids-active

15. California Department of Public Health. (2025, May 27). Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative: Systems and Environmental Change. Center for Family Health: Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division, Nutrition and Physical Activity. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/NUPA/Pages/Systems-and-Environmental-Change.aspx

16. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 21). Strategies for Increasing Physical Activity. Physical Activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/php/public-health-strategy/index.html

17. World Health Organization. (2024, June 26). Physical activity. World Health Organization Newsroom. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/33339c9c-3a9f-46d4-9f12-ae9ff0dfdc6a/content

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