Social and Cultural Changes and Their Effects on Physical Activity and Well-Being

Abstract

This systematic review investigates the impact of social and cultural changes on physical activity and well-being through an academic lens. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSTOR. Keyword combinations, including “social change,” “cultural change,” “physical activity,” and “well-being,” guided the selection process, resulting in the review of 435 papers and 570 papers. Studies were included based on stringent methodological criteria, prioritizing data-driven insights and relevance to the research focus. The review places significant emphasis on understanding the effects of urbanization, globalization, technological advancements, and social isolation, particularly within rural and Indigenous populations. Findings were synthesized to identify thematic patterns and variations across the analyzed literature. Results underscore the necessity of integrating social and cultural contexts into health promotion interventions. The research advocates for culturally sensitive strategies that address barriers and capitalize on unique cultural assets, contributing to a deeper understanding of how societal changes influence physical activity patterns and health outcomes in diverse populations.