A study by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health takes a look at sports and health in America.
As a nation, we love sports. But as participants, our relationship with sports changes as we age.
About three-quarters of adults say they played sports when they were younger. By the time people are in their late 20s, however, only 26 percent say they’ve played sports in the past year.
When it comes to recent participation, the higher your household income, the more likely it is that you’ll have played sports in the past year. People making at least $75,000 a year were more than twice as likely to have played sports in the last year as those making less than $25,000.
When asked the sport they play most often, adults reported playing more than 50 different sports – from hockey and soccer to martial arts and bowling.
Overall, adults’ top 5 favorite sports to play are:
- Golf
- Basketball
- Baseball/softball
- Soccer
- Running/track
The top two reasons for playing sports?
- Enjoyment
- Health – staying in shape, losing weight, etc.
What do people get out of sports and exercise?
- Less stress
- Better mental health
- Improved physical health
Find the full report on the poll and its findings here.
And let us know what sport you’re playing these days!