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Foto: Ayo Kemkes
The Importance Of A Healthy Lifestyle For The Younger Generation
Thursday, 27 Feb 2025
Amidst the rapid development of technology, Indonesia is now recording an increasingly high internet penetration rate, reaching 79.5% in 2024. This opens up new opportunities in various aspects of life, especially among the younger generation, most of whom are active users of technology, especially in urban areas. However, this convenience also brings health challenges, one of which is a lack of physical activity.
Changes in lifestyle that are increasingly connected to the digital world have the potential to make young people in urban areas sit or lie down for long periods of time. Activities such as watching television, playing video games, and sitting in front of a computer for long periods often replace physical activity. In addition, shopping for food and drinks online also reduces the need to walk.
This lack of physical activity is directly related to an increased risk of obesity, which causes various non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. Based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), people with diabetes and hypertension with central obesity have a much higher proportion than those who do not experience central obesity. Central obesity itself is measured by a waist circumference of more than 90 cm for men and more than 80 cm for women.
In addition to the lack of physical activity, people are also exposed to foods and drinks high in sugar, salt, and fat that are easily found in the surrounding environment. The presence of fast food and sweet drinks, such as coffee with milk and modern tea, further increases the risk of obesity. Consumption of these high-calorie foods if not balanced with a healthy lifestyle can cause various long-term health problems.
To maintain health amidst technological advances, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Some steps that can be taken include doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, walking to nearby places, and reducing the use of escalators or elevators. In addition, replace unhealthy snacks with fruits, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and use a step counter application on your gadget to monitor physical activity.
By changing their diet and increasing physical activity, Indonesia's young generation can stay healthy and fit even though they live amidst rapid technological developments.
