Study: Americans yearn for the great outdoors
Toolbox
Published: July 5, 2009
Americans love the outdoors. Theoretically.
More than half of Americans "fantasize about breaking free from their office or home and getting outdoors" but spend much of their time watching TV or on the computer instead, according to a study conducted by Timex Expedition, which makes watches for outdoor activity.
Ninety percent of respondents reported going outdoors makes them happier, but almost 40 percent said fatigue keeps them inside. Twenty-seven percent said errands eat away at outdoor time.
During the week, people between 18 and 24 spend almost five hours per day on the computer and three more socializing with friends, compared to less than two outside. Weekends up the socialization time but not the length of outdoor excursions, the study found.
When they have managed to pry themselves away from the electronic embrace of daily life in the past year, Americans engaged in outdoor activities that included walking (83 percent), hiking or camping (37 percent) and exploring (48 percent).
— McClatchy-Tribune
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