Evidence suggests exercise couch potatoes (even the most advanced ones - i.e. Olympians) only live a very short time longer than actual couch potatoes by the way. This, I feel, goes to the heart of the problem and I would also suggest potentially provides us with the way forward which starts with us trying to rebuilding physical activity back into life - every part of life and not just the free or leisure moments. But back to the point of my blog - I propose that we change the way we describe the issue to one of Movement Poverty - to reframe it and emphasise its real, debilitating and causal features.
Fuel poverty particularly affects the elderly especially harsh winters and we all instantly recognise the threat posed by food poverty - especially to families and children. Of course these issues directly relate to poverty of income - which itself can also create homeless poverty. But do we realise the perils of 'movement poverty' which interestingly, and rather unfortunately, is almost always also experienced by the same people who experience the other forms of poverty.
Movement poverty, I would argue, is similarly debilitating and can further exacerbate the downward spiral in an individuals life - creating further human misery and suffering. And often leading to many other societal ills too. Tackling movement poverty is a critical challenge for the developed world.
People were born to move - it's a critical feature of our human development - often a factor in our survival as a species and its way more important than being a feature of our physical health - the body and mind connection to moving is increasingly both empirically evidenced but also personally experience especially during the limitations that the pandemic imposed on society. But moving is more than this as it allows humans to both connect with other humans and the rest of the world and nature. So Poverty of movement eats away at what it is to be human - to think and feel as well as to act.
The World Health Organisation has recognised the issue with and danger of movement poverty - otherwise known as physical inactivity. And they have suggested that all public, private and civic society take ownership and responsibility for reintegrating into life. Encouraging and enabling active lifestyles are in everyone's best interests not just the sport and leisure industry. We need societal change - for the wellbeing of everyone - from new born babies to those in their later years.
Why call it Movement Poverty? Because when you call it physical inactivity or sedentary behaviour there is a sense that it's the person's fault - that they can just jump up and be active. But in actual fact Movement Poverty is like all other forms of poverty and something that it is actually very difficult to escape from without external assistance. Most of the people experiencing movement poverty need help - from multiple sources - to help them escape its clutches. And like all the other forms of poverty if we just let it fester then it can and will lead to further problems for the individual and society later down the line in terms of increasing poor health span or in other words the period of time living with LTHCs / poor health. These will be emotionally and financially damaging to all concerned.
In fact it requires multi disciplinary approach - because movement poverty and food poverty and income poverty and health inequalities are often intertwined. Tackling all at once can both make sense and also potentially be very efficient and effective. It works best when we co-operate, collaborate and coproduce - and we all want that - right?
So how about it folks - how does it sound to be the first national network aimed at tackling movement poverty? Kinda gets to the heart of what we're about I think? Language is very important - and can change the dynamics of conversation - isn't that what we want and need? So - try it out with your team and partners and let me know what you think?
If I hear Chris Witty talking it about it soon you'll know where it started....