Australians: The ‘weakest’ generation ever? Australians under 40 are doing far less exercise than Baby Boomers – who are hitting peak fitness at 50 and working out four times a week
- Almost 23 per cent of people aged 18-40 do little to no exercise at all
- But more than half of people aged 50 work out at least four times a week
- One in five Baby Boomers reach peak fitness levels once they turn 50
- One third feel stronger, more energized now than when they were younger
Younger Australians are at risk of becoming the weakest generation yet with almost 23 per cent of people aged between 18 and 40 revealing they do little or no exercise at all.
In comparison, one in five Baby Boomers are said to reach peak fitness levels by the time they turn 50, and more than half of those aged 50 plus work out at least four times a week.
One in four people over the age of 50 claim they exercise more than ever before.
Almost 23 per cent of people aged between 18 and 40 have revealed they do little exercise, with many spending long hours at their desks in office jobs
Almost 23 per cent of people aged between 18 and 40 have revealed they do little exercise, with many spending long hours at their desks in office jobs
The research, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and the advice by Osteoporosis Australia, is part of an awareness campaign for healthy bones and vitamin D.
However, instead of pounding the treadmill or swimming laps at the pool, the Baby Boomers or ‘Generation Strong’ get fit in more unconventional ways.
Playing with their grandchildren, doing weights at the gym and taking part in team sports are all common forms of exercise for their age group.
Sport and performance psychologist Jacqui Louder said the issue of bone health does not just impact elderly people.
‘Healthy bones are the pillar of overall strength and fitness for all age groups, so while it’s great to see older Australians embracing this mentality and being proactive, it’s equally important that the younger generation act now in order to safeguard their bones and overall health,’ she said.
Ms Louder said it was worrying that younger Australians were forgoing exercise, particularly as many work in office jobs and spend most of their days tied to their desk.
One in five Baby Boomers are said to reach peak fitness levels by the time they turn 50, and more than half of those aged 50 plus work out at least four times a week
One in five Baby Boomers are said to reach peak fitness levels by the time they turn 50, and more than half of those aged 50 plus work out at least four times a week
She said many people were unaware that we reach peak bone mass between the ages of 20 to 30 years old.
‘Bone health is instrumental to overall health, so it’s incredibly important that the younger generation overcome the mental barriers to exercise.’
Vitamin D expert Professor Robin Daly said while education on the importance of Vitamin D and bone health is working, there is still a need to ‘combat the younger generation’s laissez-faire attitude towards exercise’.
‘Getting outdoors for approximately 7-30 minutes at midday each day during winter will help to maintain your Vitamin D levels which is also critical for bone health.
Where this is not achievable, eating Vitamin D rich foods such as fatty fish (sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and salmon), fortified milk, margarines and dairy blend spreads are recommended.’
