Percent of Physically Active Adults Time Series

Some racial and ethnic categories are suppressed for privacy and to avoid misleading estimates when the relative standard error exceeds 30% or the unweighted sample size is less than 50 respondents. Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) Data Why This Matters Physical activity offers both immediate and long-term health benefits. In the short term, it can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure. Over the long term, it helps reduce the risk of dementia, depression, heart disease, and cancer. Physical activity is especially important for older adults as it can help them live independently longer while also improving bone health and reducing the risk of falls through better balance and coordination. Nationally, Hispanic and Black adults have the highest rates of physical inactivity, increasing their associated health risks. Factors like busy schedules, limited resources, and the physical environment play an important role and are tied to segregation and racial inequities. The District Response The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates fitness centers that are free for DC residents. DPR also offers adult health and wellness classes including strength & conditioning, yoga, cardio dancing, and spinning. The MoveDC Plan promotes active transportation in the District through better pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Just 30 minutes of walking – a 15-minute commute each way – is enough to reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. All DC Public School students take health and physician education (PE) classes to help them build healthy exercise habits that can last through adulthood.