Healthy Active by Design

The built environment has a direct correlation on the health of the Australian community. People who live in walkable communities are 1.5 times more likely to get enough physical activity compared to those who live in areas where walking is unsafe, inconvenient or difficult. The Heart Foundation has developed resources to help industry professionals and decision makers design and deliver healthier built environments and safer, more walkable neighbourhoods, towns and cities across Australia. Healthy Active by Design is a unique, evidence-based digital toolkit which incorporates physical movement and health outcomes into design outcomes. It enables, supports and encourages active, healthy lifestyles where walking and wheeling is part of everyday life for all Australians. The Healthy Active by Design resources include best-practice case studies, discussion papers, checklists and more across eight design features and a separate module on Healthy Active Ageing, as well as a self-assessment training module.