If I were to tell you that your choice of commute to work or school significantly impacts both your health and the environment, you’d likely respond with: ‘That’s just common sense!’
Governments around the world are encouraging people to switch from less active travel methods, such as driving, to more active ones like walking or cycling. The primary goals are twofold: to enhance public health and to reduce air pollution. We’re already familiar with how these changes can help the environment, but what about the direct health benefits of active commuting? Do men and women benefit equally?
While the environmental advantages are well-documented, a deeper understanding of the health implications remains less explored.
That’s the question a team of researchers from the UK tried to answer.
The Study:
The researchers used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which is a large database that collects information about people’s lives, including their methods of commuting and their health. The study used seven waves of data spanning from 2009 to 2016. This dataset initially contained information on approximately 100,000 individuals across 40,000 households.
The approach?
The study focused on individuals who had changed their way of commuting, such as switching from driving to biking, and compared them with those who continued with their original mode of commuting.
The researchers then looked at how these changes in commuting habits affected the participants’ physical and mental health.
The results?
• Switching from car to active travel (like walking and cycling) improves physical health in women and mental health in both genders.
• Changing from active travel to car leads to a decline in physical health and health satisfaction in both men and women.
• Switching from active to public transport results in a decrease in mental health.
• Health Satisfaction Increases with Active Travel: Individuals who switch from public transport to more active forms of commuting, such as walking or cycling, report a noticeable increase in their overall satisfaction with their health.
• Physical Health Benefits Are More Pronounced in Shifts Away from Cars: When individuals transition from car travel to active commuting, there is a more significant improvement in physical health compared to shifts between active travel and public transport. This could be due to the fact that public transport often involves some level of physical activity, such as walking to stations or stops.
• No Significant Changes in Health When Switching Between Car and Public Transport: The study notes that there are no notable effects on physical or mental health outcomes or satisfaction with health when individuals switch between car commuting and using public transport. This suggests that the health benefits are more closely linked to the level of physical activity involved in the commuting mode.
• Gender-Specific Impacts of Commuting Modes: The study highlights that the health benefits of switching commuting modes can vary by gender, with physical health improvements being particularly significant for women when switching from car to active travel.
• Mental Health Benefits Across Genders: A shift from car to active commuting results in improved mental health for both men and women, underscoring the mental health benefits of incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
Why This Matters for You:
The findings from this extensive study shine a light on the significant benefits of active commuting on health-related outcomes. If you’re someone who commutes to work or is considering altering your commute, understanding these benefits can inspire and inform your choices.
- Enhanced Physical and Mental Health: Active commuting, which includes walking and cycling, isn’t just an eco-friendly choice; it profoundly impacts your health. The study highlights that individuals who engage in active commuting tend to exhibit better physical and mental health scores compared to those using passive modes like driving or public transport. This improvement in health translates to a more vibrant, energetic, and fulfilling day-to-day life.
- Improved Health-Related Quality of Life: The concept of “health-related quality of life” encompasses more than just the absence of disease—it’s about thriving, not just surviving. Active commuting contributes to this by enhancing overall well-being. The physical activity involved in biking or walking to work isn’t just good for your body; it’s beneficial for your mind too. It can lead to greater satisfaction with your health, as indicated by the study’s findings using the SF12 questionnaire.
- A Sustainable and Healthy Routine: By choosing active commuting, you’re not only contributing to a greener planet but also investing in your long-term health. This habit forms a sustainable routine that can lead to lasting health benefits, aligning your lifestyle with both environmental consciousness and personal well-being.
Additional Health Facts That May Interest You:
- A meta-analysis of over 47,000 patients found out that if you are over 60 years, you will need at least 6000-8000 steps a day to live longer. If you are under 60 years, you will need at least 8000-10 000 steps a day.
- Studies have shown that walking for just 30 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Active commuters have a lower risk of obesity by 12%, hypertension by 5%, and diabetes by 18%, compared to those who commute passively.
