UNIT 2 PP5

• Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines were developed by the Department of Health
• Development of Australia’s Guidelines

  1. Consider relationship between physical activity and health outcomes

  2. Consider relationship between sedentary behaviour and health outcomes
• Guidelines target


  • All age groups
  • Suggested amounts of physical activity
  • Time spent in sedentary behaviours
  • Use of electronic media for leisure
  • Strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours
• Physical activity for 0-5 years

  Encouraged from birth, at least three hours daily for toddlers and pre-schoolers
• Sedentary behaviour for 0-5 years

  No screen time for children under 2<|>Limit screen time to less than one hour for children 2-5<|>No more than one hour of inactivity at a time
• Physical activity for 5-12 years

  At least 60 minutes daily, include aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities
• Sedentary behaviour for 5-12 years

  Limit electronic media to two hours daily<|>Break up long periods of sitting
• Physical activity for 13-17 years

  At least 60 minutes daily, include aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities
• Sedentary behaviour for 13-17 years


  Limit electronic media to two hours daily<|>Break up long periods of sitting
• Physical activity for 18-65 years


  Any physical activity is better than none<|>150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity weekly<|>Muscle strengthening on at least 2 days
• Sedentary behaviour for 18-65 years


  Minimise prolonged sitting<|>Break up long periods of sitting
• Physical activity for older adults (65+)


  Do some form of physical activity daily<|>At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days
• Older adults should


  Start at a manageable level and gradually increase activity<|>Continue vigorous activity if capable
• Australian Health Survey 2011 - 12 includes data on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for children, adolescents, and adults