inactivity – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

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August 30, 2026

We can’t all be like LeBron James at 41. But these athletes still have lots to teach us about active ageing

Mike Annear, Lincoln University, New Zealand; Hoani Smith, Lincoln University, New Zealand, and Richard Keith Wright, Auckland University of Technology

Elite athletes share with the rest of us a common underlying physiology and the capacity to adapt significantly to training. It’s never too late to start.

April 28, 2026

What sitting all day does to the body

Samina Akhtar, Aga Khan University

Long hours at a desk can raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease and poor concentration, even in people who exercise regularly.

Come school holidays, your school-aged kids are more likely to spend longer on their screens than they do in term time. Here’s how to get them outside and active, with a bit of planning. from www.shutterstock.com

December 26, 2019

4 ways to get your kids off the couch these summer holidays

Tim Olds, University of South Australia; Amanda Watson, University of South Australia, and Carol Maher, University of South Australia

The average Australian school kid spends more time watching TV or gaming and less time being active over their summer holidays. Could more chores be the answer?

Some Nordic school kids are doing an average of two to three hours of physical activity a week. Does Australia need to lift its game? CAHPER/Sangudo/Flickr

July 8, 2019

Look up north. Here’s how Aussie kids can move more at school, Nordic style

Katja Siefken, University of South Australia; Carol Maher, University of South Australia, and Charlotte Pawlowski, University of Southern Denmark

Specialist teachers and hours of compulsory physical education a week are keeping Nordic school children moving. When it comes to physical activity, Australia could do better.

January 17, 2019

Physical activity programmes in schools aren’t working – here’s why

Rebecca Love, University of Cambridge; Esther van Sluijs, University of Cambridge, and Jean Adams, University of Cambridge

There has been a tenfold increase in the worldwide prevalence of childhood obesity over the past four decades.

Media reports failed to mention limits to evidence in new guidelines about sitting and moving at work, and missed commercial interests that were initially not disclosed. Kennyrhoads/Wikimedia Commons

September 18, 2017

How the media oversold standing desks as a fix for inactivity at work

Catriona Bonfiglioli, University of Technology Sydney and Josephine Chau, University of Sydney

Here’s how reporting of the world’s first specific advice on reducing inactivity at work has overplayed the role of standing desks.

April 6, 2017

We asked children why they don’t get enough exercise – here’s what they said

Helen Ingle, Leeds Beckett University and Susan Coan, Leeds Beckett University

It’s not all child’s play.

May 29, 2014

Heart risk in women heightened by inactivity

The University of Queensland

For women over 30, inactivity is a bigger factor in heart risk then smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Research from…

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