Is Affluence Killing America?

America is the richest nation ever. Our affluence has permitted us luxuries past generations could not have imagined—door-to-door transport by private automobile, automation of the workplace, and countless labor saving devices for the home— and other nations are rapidly following our example. Yet, these luxuries are robbing us of the physical activity we need for good health and are creating a public health crisis that will worsen unless people devote more or their leisure time to keeping themselves fit.

In the U.S. 16% of children and adolescents aged 6-19 are overweight, and clinical reports show the incidence of Type II diabetes in children is rising. Adults keep them good company with 30 % or over 60 million people over age 20 classified as obese, and 25% of them getting no leisure physical activity at all. If these numbers don’t drive you to your nearest treadmill or hiking path, perhaps you should turn off the television and read this in-depth report.

“We have a health crisis here in the United States, and it is expanding to the rest of the world,” says Kenneth Harris, futurist, market analyst and author of the report, Physical Fitness Trends: Business and Policy Implications “As a developed country now fully ensconced in the automated and digital age, we have effectively removed the basic, simple ways we used to stay physically fit,” he adds. Harris’ report goes on to describe how technological developments, urban design, increased personal wealth, economic demands, family lifestyles, and educational funding have combined to create a trend toward general physical inactivity, and resulting poor health.

“Governments and international and national organizations are creating policies, companies are developing new clothing, food, and equipment, but nothing has succeeded in yet turning the tide,” says Harris. So what does this mean for our physical future? Harris takes a look at the next quarter century and offers four different scenarios and resulting market trends that are worthy of every policy maker, service provider and product designer and manufacturer’s study. “Whether we are looking at The Home Health Club, The Frolic in the Park, The Media Room, or the $5 Night at the Ballpark scenarios, we need to comprehend today what tomorrow’s consumer experience is going to be. Only then can we gain the understanding that will help set policies and develop the products that can help us become a healthier nation.”

To order Physical Fitness Trends: Business and Policy Implications, visit www.theconsiliencegroup.com.