Active Living Network

Link: http://www.activeliving.org/

I found out about this from the GreenCity Visions conference and got very excited because Marla Hollander, the director, is affiliated with SDSU. This may not end up mattering much to me though, but it does help make me feel that San Diego is less of a backwater for this kind of thinking! This link should be in the "United States" level, but I want something good to show up in San Diego.

What is Active Living?

It is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. The goal is to accumulate at least 30 minutes of activity each day. Individuals may do this in a variety of ways, such as walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or pleasure; playing in the park; working in the yard; taking the stairs; and using recreational facilities

What is an Active Living Community?

An Active Living Community is designed with a pedestrian focus and provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in routine daily physical activity. Government leadership in such a community embraces diverse policies and programs that support active living, such as:

Bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented design
Mixed-use development
Ample recreational facilities
Locating schools in walkable neighborhoods
Funding and promoting active living programs

Why is Active Living an Important Issue?

Active living communities encourage individuals to be more physically active, thus improving health by lowering citizens' risk for health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. American communities are facing a chronic disease epidemic. Sixty percent of U.S. adults do not achieve the 30-minute daily physical activity recommendation, and 30 percent are completely sedentary. Health care costs associated with obesity alone were estimated at $117 billion in 2000.

Active Living communities enhance citizen quality of life, attract business and knowledge workers, and contribute to economic development.

Added by colin #442 on 2005-05-10. Last modified 2006-01-30 20:14. F0 License: Attribution
Location: World, United States, California, San Diego
Topics: active living, aging, cycling, health, leadership, policy development, politics, research, urban planning, walking, well-being measures

Colin Leath <>

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