Today has a story saying that Australian researchers have concluded after a study of kids in 28 countries between 1964 and 2010 that "kids today aren’t running nearly as fast as their parents did at the same age. In fact, in a one-mile run, youngsters now are about 1.5 minutes slower on those laps than children 30 years ago."
The story goes on to say that "in the US alone, researchers found that children’s cardiovascular endurance — one of the cornerstones of physical fitness — fell an average of 6 percent per decade between 1970 and 2000."
The research, the story says, is consistent with "another study published this past summer in the Journal of Adolescent Health," which found that "only about half of adolescents are physically active five or more days a week, and fewer than one in three eat fruits and vegetables daily. The survey included nearly 10,000 children, between 11 and 16 years old, from 39 states."
The story goes on to say that "in the US alone, researchers found that children’s cardiovascular endurance — one of the cornerstones of physical fitness — fell an average of 6 percent per decade between 1970 and 2000."
The research, the story says, is consistent with "another study published this past summer in the Journal of Adolescent Health," which found that "only about half of adolescents are physically active five or more days a week, and fewer than one in three eat fruits and vegetables daily. The survey included nearly 10,000 children, between 11 and 16 years old, from 39 states."
- KC's View:
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Both studies highlight a generational tragedy. Our kids may have more expensive sneakers and carry gadgets that will track their every move, but that doesn't mean they're physically fit.
