Research shows that ages 15 to 17 are a crucial time to stay active, and stopping exercise can have a serious impact on your mental health for years to come.
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People enjoy an evening workout at Al Mamzar Beach in Dubai. KT File Photo: Shihab
Generation Z in the UAE is less active than previous generations, which could affect their future mental health, a new study by a sportswear company has found.
Japan-based ASICS conducted a comprehensive study to confirm that there is a direct link between physical activity in teens and mental health in adulthood.
ASICS’ second global mindset survey involved more than 26,000 respondents from 22 countries, including the UAE. The results showed that the more people exercised, the higher their mental state scores.
The average global state of mind score was 65 out of 100. The UAE’s score was 66, two points lower than the 2022 statistics of 68. China came out on top with a score of 78, one point higher than the 2022 statistical score of 77.
Gen Z is less physically active
The study revealed a generational gap in physical activity, with younger generations becoming less and less physically active. In the UAE, 80 percent of baby boomers (born between the mid-1940s and 1960s) said they exercised daily during childhood, compared to just 23 percent of Gen Z (born between the mid-1990s and 2010s). . This points to a worrying trend in which younger generations are leaving exercise earlier and in greater numbers than previous generations.
Professor Brendon Stubbs, a top researcher in physical activity and mental health at King’s College, said: ‘It is alarming to see younger respondents’ activity levels declining at such a critical age. “Especially because this study found an association with poorer health in adulthood.” Mr. London led the research.
2015-17 are the most important years
The study found that being physically active as a teenager has a direct impact on your mental health later in life. Respondents who were active throughout adolescence reported higher activity levels and mental state scores as adults.
“This will have a huge impact on the future mental health of the world, as Gen Z around the world already has the lowest mental health scores (62/100) compared to the Silent Generation (70/100). “There is a possibility of giving,” Stubbs noted.
The study found that ages 15 to 17 are the most important years to stay active, and that taking a break from exercise can have a huge impact on your mental state for years to come. People who exercised regularly between the ages of 15 and 17 are more likely to remain active later in life and have better mental health as adults than those who were inactive during this time. Reporting scores (64/100 vs. 61/100).
By comparison, respondents who stopped exercising before age 15 had the lowest scores for activity levels and mental health as adults.
In the United Arab Emirates, these inactive adults reported 7 percent less concentration, 6 percent less attention, and 6 percent less assertiveness compared to adults who were active throughout adolescence. Did.
Regular exercise is important
Every year, teenagers continue to exercise regularly, which is associated with better mental status scores as adults. People who stopped exercising before age 15 had an average mental state score 15 percent lower than the global average, and decreasing physical activity before age 16 to 17 and 22 decreased average scores by 13 percent. and 6 percent.
Ana Seixas, head of marketing at ASICS Middle East, said: “In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, ASICS’ Mind of Mind research shows that staying active and having good mental health are important. “It highlights an important truth about how interdependent we are. Movement is not only important.” It’s not only a lifeline for your physical health, but also for your future mental health. ”
The survey received responses from approximately 1,000 people in each country between November 17, 2023 and December 21, 2023.
