In May 2019 researchers from Italy published their review on the effect of regular outdoor sports and physical activities across all age groups. They stated that the benefits of cutting-edge technology and rapid urbanization has been accompanied with sedentary lifestyle disorders, metabolic diseases, major depression and socialization problems. Many cities and organizations globally have therefore started to adopt strategies aimed at improving outdoor physical activity levels. It has been found that performing outdoor sports and physical activities may produce social and psychological benefits and may also help prevent vitamin D deficiency, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and near/short sightedness. The researchers concluded by saying that strategies for the promotion of various outdoor sports and physical activities should be developed given the beneficial effects experienced by all age groups.
Manferdelli G et al. Outdoor physical activity bears multiple benefits to health and society. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2019 May;59(5):868-879.