Young children and teens often have built-in opportunities to stay active through gym classes, sports, and extracurricular activities.
But after high school, those structured options often disappear.
And a national survey shows that many young adults struggle to stay active during this transition.
According to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, one in three parents say their child ages 18 to 25 is minimally active or inactive.
“Physical activity has a profound impact on overall health, but many people don’t maintain the same activity levels as they age,” said Susan Woolford, MD, co-director of the Mott Poll and Mott pediatrician.
“Young adulthood can be a particularly challenging time, especially when structured opportunities like sports and gym classes end. After high school, young adults often need to make more effort to find and make time for activities they enjoy.”
Barriers to being active
Parents cite many reasons why their young adult children are not getting enough physical activity. The most common barriers include lack of time, lack of interest, and screen time or gaming. Fewer parents cite cost, lack of a workout partner or health limitations.
Parents of minimally active or inactive young adults were more likely to point to lack of interest and screen use as major challenges.
Parents are telling us that interest is a big hurdle. If young adults do not find physical activity enjoyable, they are less likely to make it a part of their daily routine.”
Susan Woolford, Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan
Activity patterns change with age
The nationally representative report is based on responses from 1,550 parents surveyed in February who have at least one child aged 18 to 25.
According to parents, young adults ages 18 to 20 are more likely to participate in organized sports or social activities such as dancing or skating. Those 21 and older are more likely to rely on gym workouts or physical activity related to their job.
“This shift may reflect a move away from social forms of activity toward more independent forms,” Woolford said. “Social connection can make physical activity more enjoyable and help people stay active longer.”
Many parents are trying to encourage their young adult children to be more active. Common strategies include verbal encouragement, suggesting activities, exercising together, and, in some cases, paying for programs or offering incentives.
However, parents of the least active young adults are more likely to say that their efforts are not successful.
“Incentives alone are not always enough,” Woolford said. “Finding activities that are enjoyable and accessible is important for helping young adults form lasting habits, especially if the activities can be linked to things they value.”
Woolford believes a ‘buddy’ approach can make a difference. She says being active together can create accountability and also make the experience more social and rewarding.
Building healthy habits for the future
Parents of less active young adults are more likely to worry about long-term health effects and even potential effects on employment. Yet only one in four parents say a health care provider has discussed physical activity with their child in recent years.
Woolford says this represents a missed opportunity. Healthcare providers can play an important role in helping young adults find safe and appropriate ways to stay active, especially those with health concerns.
She says young adulthood is an important time to establish lifelong health habits.
“A common challenge for young adults is maintaining a healthy lifestyle as they become more independent,” Woolford said. “For some, this means fitting exercise into a busy schedule or a limited budget. For others, it’s about creating a routine.”
“Parents can still play an important role during this transition,” she said. “Habits formed at this level can shape long-term health and well-being.”
