Regular physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. A 2021 report found that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. say they don't engage in any kind of physical exercise in a typical week.
Nearly one-third of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression disorder in 2023, according to Kaiser Family Foundation data.
People treated for anxiety, depression, and psychological distress—and who exercise regularly—show fewer and less intense symptoms of those conditions than their fellow patients who don't exercise, according to a 2023 medical research report. Many studies have also demonstrated that physical exercise provides sustained boosts to cognitive function. Overall, there's a consensus in the medical scientific community that physical activity is an essential factor in mitigating aging related cognitive decline.
Data analyzed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual PLACES report measures the share of adults who reported low or no physical activity. The most active counties in Maine are listed below. Counties are ranked by the share of adults who reported any level of leisure physical activity, including running, golf, or gardening. In the event of a tie, the overall population was used to determine ranking.
#16. Aroostook, Maine
- Total population: 66,859
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 67.5%
#15. Somerset, Maine
- Total population: 50,592
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 69.1%
#14. Androscoggin, Maine
- Total population: 111,034
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 69.3%
#13. Piscataquis, Maine
- Total population: 17,165
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 69.8%
#12. Washington, Maine
- Total population: 31,121
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 69.8%
#11. Franklin, Maine
- Total population: 29,687
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 73.1%
#10. Oxford, Maine
- Total population: 58,629
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 73.7%
#9. Penobscot, Maine
- Total population: 152,765
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 73.7%
#8. Kennebec, Maine
- Total population: 124,486
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 75.0%
#7. Waldo, Maine
- Total population: 39,912
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 75.2%
#6. York, Maine
- Total population: 214,591
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 76.7%
#5. Lincoln, Maine
- Total population: 35,828
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 76.8%
#4. Hancock, Maine
- Total population: 56,192
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 77.1%
#3. Knox, Maine
- Total population: 41,084
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 77.4%
#2. Sagadahoc, Maine
- Total population: 37,071
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 79.2%
#1. Cumberland, Maine
- Total population: 305,231
- Share of adults reporting any physical activity: 81.1%
This story features data reporting by Elena Cox, writing by Shakhzod Yuldoshboev, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 49 states.
This story originally appeared on Northwell Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.