News Study: children less fit than ever

[thomas]

Western countries have got used to this kind of news: children not exercising enough. A study released on 24 December reveals that Japanese schoolchildren are losing their physical fitness as well. The reason: the pandemic.

An annual survey on the physical fitness of Japanese children shows that they just don't have the right stuff like they used to, and that is likely due to a lack of opportunities to exercise stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Japan Sports Agency on Dec. 24 released the results of its latest study that found record low levels in physical fitness among boys in the fifth grade as well as the second year of junior high school. Between April and July, around 2.01 million children across Japan in those two grades took part in a physical fitness program that measured eight activities, including sit-ups, 20-meter shuttle runs, the standing long jump and throwing a softball or handball. Scores were given for each item and the figures totaled for every student. The result was dismal. Boys scored the lowest scores since the program began in 2008.

Study: Boys less fit than ever and pandemic is to blame | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Strawberryzaaria]

Western countries have got used to this kind of news: children not exercising enough. A study released on 24 December reveals that Japanese schoolchildren are losing their physical fitness as well. The reason: the pandemic.

Study: Boys less fit than ever and pandemic is to blame | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Many people can blaim it on the pandemic but I believe this and the over all health of people (especially in America) has been an big ongoing problem way before. Now that I think about it for Japan it might be that a big difference as said in the article, and in the west not so much. Japanese usually walk alot, and also accessibility to stores during covid can also cause an unhealthy diet to go along with barely any exercise

 

[salyavin]

Well for children a lot is a cultural shift at least in the US. Outside is dangerous. When I was a child we were what we now call free range meaning I would just need to be home before dark. These days one may be thought to do child neglect. We also have a lot more inside activities like video games, tablets, internet with it's social media and such that did not exist when I was a child.

Covid has been good for the health of a few like myself. No more commute more time to bicycle. Working at home? Waiting for the next meeting lift some weights or do 30 minutes on a trainer. I am in as good shape was I was in my early 30s perhaps late 20s and improving. No idea what things will be like for my time post covid though.