Towards more physical activity in cities (2017)
transforming public spaces to promote physical activity — a key contributor to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Europe
This publication focuses on physical activity and how it can be supported through urban planning. The focus on physical activity is explained by the fact that inactivity today accounts for an increasing proportion of deaths and disability worldwide and is associated with significant health care costs and productivity losses.
Action to increase rates of physical activity will be necessary to achieve global targets on the prevention of premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases – the leading cause of death worldwide – and to halt the rise in obesity. With more than 80% of the European population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, cities play a pivotal role in promoting and protecting health and well-being.
Literatuurverwijzing: World Health Organization (WHO) (2017). Towards more physical activity in cities: transforming public spaces to promote physical activity — a key contributor to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Europe. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe.