In 2007, Simcoe Muskoka residents 18 to 69 years of age were asked about their physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) through the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) Survey. The IPAQ assesses physical activity across a number of areas including: leisure time, domestic, work-related and active transportation. Respondents were grouped into three levels of physical activity based on their responses to the IPAQ: high, moderate and low (see definition for details).

In 2007, 56% (52.8%, 59.0%) of adults aged 18-69 years in Simcoe Muskoka were in the high physical activity level; 24% (21.0%, 26.2%) were in the moderate level; and 14% (12.1%, 16.4%) were in the low level. The percentage of adults (18-69) in the high level of physical activity decreased with age (see Figure 1).

Figure 1:

Another way to determine levels of physical activity is to look at the amount of time individuals spend being physically active during their leisure time. The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) conducted by Statistics Canada surveys a representative sample of people aged 12 and over across Canada. Physical activity levels are based on responses to questions about the nature, frequency and duration of their participation in leisure-time physical activity. Respondents are classified as active, moderately active or inactive based on an index of average daily physical activity over the past 3 months (see definition for details).

In 2007, 26% (22.5%, 29.6%) of adults aged 18 years and older in Simcoe Muskoka were physically active in their leisure time; 27% (23.2%, 30.7%) were moderately active in their leisure time; and 44% (40.3%, 48.4%) were considered inactive in their leisure time.