Social Capital In Australia

Over the past 50 years, there has been a huge shift from a lifestyle that was by definition, physically active to one that is predominantly sedentary (WHO 2004, Edwards & Tsouros 2006.). There is a widespread acknowledgment that participation in physical activity is a ‘’ fundamental means of improving the physical and mental health of individual’’ (WHO 2004, P.3). This essay will consider the role of social capital in promoting physical activity among young indigenous Australian (under 25).Social capital refers to features of social organisation such as trust, norms and networks that can improve the efficiency of society by facilitating coordinated actions ( Putnam, Leonardi and Naneitti 1993, 167) The engagement of physical activities among

While indigenous youth are over represented in some sports, their health outcomes are poor, indigenous youth aged between 15 and 24 were more likely to be obese than non-indigenous youth (38% and 27% respectively) and twice as likely to be obese (15% and 6% respectively). Only one in twenty (5%) of indigenous youth living in non-remote areas met both the daily recommended serves of fruit and vegetables; signifiable lower than the rate for non-indigenous youth (ABS 2011- 2012 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Health Survey). It would be anticipated that indigenous sporting participation would lead to improve health outcomes. Herein lies the paradox of the sporting Panacea; given the proven links between sport, physical activity and improved health outcomes (Janssen & Leblank 2010, Janz Etal .2010, Blair and Morris

To reach a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, an individual or group must be able to identify and to realise aspiration, to satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment (WHO, 1986). Health promotion should work through effective community action where community members set the priorities, plan strategies and implement them for achieving better health, better social network help in promoting good health among young indigenous people , it also help them to engage in physical activity thereby taken them off the need to take Alcohol or drugs just to feel better. It help them to reduce obesity and also eating health food. There is a growing evidence that individual social capital can influence health and behaviour in a positive way through social support, social influence, social participation and access to material resources. The improvement and maintenance of health is dependent not only on individual behaviours but also on the behaviour of significant others and the ability for fruitful communication within social networks. The 1986 Atawa Charter (WHO, 1986) established five action areas of health promotion which include building healthy public policy, creating supporting environments, strengthening community actions, developing personal skills and reorienting health