With obesity and physical activity the focus of so much public discussion, it is no surprise that we’re hearing the term “active living” more and more. So what exactly is “active living,” and how do we make sure we get more of it? Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. For individuals, the goal is to get a total of at least 30 minutes of activity each day by, for example, walking, bicycling, playing in the park, working in the yard, taking the stairs, or using recreation facilities. For communities, the goal is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in routine physical activity and to create places and policies that encourage better physical health.
While much attention has been placed on the individual view of active living, more and more initiatives are under way to help create more active, healthy communities. Active Living Leadership is one such project. It is a unique partnership developed to help state and local leaders create and promote places, programs and policies that support and enable active lifestyles. Supported by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Active Living Leadership brings together several national organizations that provide numerous opportunities for collaboration between appointed and elected officials, executive and judicial functions, and state and local levels of government. The Active Living Leadership partner organizations include: the International City/County Management Association, Local Government Commission, National Association of Counties, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and United States Conference of Mayors.