Research Synthesis: Minorities Reside in Communities that Lack Physical Activity Options

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A new research synthesis by Active Living Research examines studies indicating that racial/ethnic minorities and lower-income people live in communities that are not as supportive of physical activity.

The synthesis summarizes research on racial/ethnic and economic disparities in obesity and physical activity rates among children, and highlights policy recommendations for decision-makers who can support physical activity among people in lower-income communities and communities of color.

Key research results suggest that racial/ethnic minorities and lower-income people:

• are more likely to live in neighborhoods with fewer and lower-quality sidewalks, and fewer aesthetic amenities like scenery that make walking safer, easier and more appealing;
• tend to live in neighborhoods with fewer parks and other recreation resources; and
• experience more danger from crime and traffic than others do, and face more barriers from neighborhood physical and social disorder.

View the synthesis here.