The share of Shanghai residents who exercise regularly has reached 56.5 percent, up 18.1 percentage points from 2015. Among those aged 60 and above, the rate stands at 42.8 percent.

Data from the city's 200 elderly exercise and health homes also show that exercise can deliver benefits beyond improved health: average hospitalization costs for participating seniors have fallen by nearly 1,800 yuan ($266.7) per person.

The figures were released on Aug 6 at Shanghai's national fitness event, held at the Pengpu Town Citizens Fitness Center in Jing'an district.

Shanghai's population is aging rapidly, with more than 5.6 million residents aged 60 and above by the end of last year, accounting for over one-third of the city's total population. This demographic shift presents significant health and financial challenges, making exercise an increasingly important part of the response.

The survey showed that the proportion of residents aged 7 and above who exercise regularly has increased by 5.7 percentage points since 2020. The rate was highest among those aged 7 to 18, at 87.5 percent, followed by 43.3 percent among those aged 19 to 59 and 42.8 percent among seniors. Popular activities include walking, running, rope skipping, cycling, badminton, and basketball.

On the supply side, 91.9 percent of residents aged 19 and above can reach sports facilities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, indicating the "15-minute fitness circle" is largely in place. Participation in sports organizations reached 41.2 percent, up 4.2 points from 2020.

By the end of last year, Shanghai had established 200 elderly exercise and health homes across all 16 districts, with 40 more planned for 2026. About 71.7 percent of seniors can reach one within 15 minutes from home.

The health benefits are also significant. Tracking data shows more than half of participants experienced improvements in blood pressure, while roughly one-third reported better sleep, blood sugar, and lipid levels.

Source: China Daily