Conference Agenda

Purpose

Families are the primary setting for making choices that affect well-being and health. By influencing family culture, their physical activity choices in daily routines and parenting practices that support activity, it is possible to promote physical activity across the population.

Description

The Family Physical Activity Barometer was conducted to meet the need for information regarding the physical activity habits of Finnish families and the factors influencing them. This 2025 Barometer, a continuation of the 2021 study, surveyed 1,220 Finnish families nationwide via an internet panel. It was carried out in cooperation with The Outdoor Association of Finland and Taloustutkimus (Economic research), for the needs of the Families on the Move, which is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Results

Finnish families with children broadly engage in diverse forms of self-organized physical activity and mostly outdoors, primarily motivated by the desire to spend time together. Two out of three families participate in self-organized activity at least once a week, 69% for at least an hour per session. Diverse natural areas, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and hiking opportunities have especially boosted joint physical activity for families, with hiking and walking increasing in popularity. However, an increasing number of families cite financial reasons as a challenge to joint physical activity.

Conclusions

The assessment data from the survey is used to guide the development of nationally and locally implemented initiatives, practices, and materials that support families' physically active lifestyles and allows the monitoring of national development.