Physical health is one of the fundamental pillars of individual resilience. It shapes a person's ability to maintain productivity, manage stressful situations and recover from demanding life circumstances. The physical health dimension is also the highest-weighted component of the Index of Individual Resilience (IIR), accounting for 20%. This reflects not only its direct impact on everyday functioning, but also its role as a gateway to other areas such as mental health, adaptability, skills and long-term social participation.
Resilience has in recent years become a key topic in social sciences, public policy and psychology. Physical health plays a central role in this process. The ability to respond to challenges, manage everyday activities and recover from difficulties is firmly linked to physical fitness, functional capacity and overall vitality. Chronic illness, fatigue or limited physical fitness can weaken coping resources and reduce adaptability.
Methodology
The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and comparative design. The target population comprised individuals aged 16–75. Representative samples were obtained in the Czech Republic (N = 1,235; CAWI 620, CAPI 615; data collection 23–29 May 2025 by SC&C agency) and in Slovakia, Germany and Sweden (each N = 1,000; CAWI; data collection 31 July – 20 August 2025 by Talk Online Panel agency).
The IIR was constructed as the sum of 60 questions within eight dimensions (maximum achievable score 226 points). Dimensions and weights: Values (14%), trust in institutions (7%), cohesion (6%), adaptability (18%), mental health (11%), skills (6%), material security (18%), physical activity and health (20%).
Results
The Czech Republic shows a complex health profile combining high levels of physical activity with significant health risks. Although the average respondent is fairly active, the population also faces high cardiometabolic risks. The current combination of an active lifestyle with high BMI and hypertension prevalence suggests that structural factors such as dietary habits, sedentary work environments or stress may be neutralising the benefits of physical activity.
Frequency of physical activity
Physical activity is one of the most important factors supporting physical health and overall resilience. 22% of respondents reported not exercising at all. Conversely, almost 44% of respondents report exercising at least three times a week, representing a very strong foundation for building long-term physical and psychological resilience.
There are marked differences by educational level: 28% of people with basic education do not exercise at all, compared to just 13% of those with university education. Marital status also correlates with physical activity — the highest share of non-exercisers appears among the divorced and widowed (approximately a third of respondents).
Smoking and alcohol
27% of respondents reported smoking. Students smoke the least (only 14%) and married people (22%), while the highest share of smokers appears among private sector employees (33%).
Illness
Most respondents (59%) report no chronic illness, while the most common diagnosis is high blood pressure (26%). Other chronic conditions appear in a smaller but significant share of the population (3–10%).
Subjective health assessment
Most respondents rate their health as good or fair. The response "very poor health" appears exclusively among retirees and the unemployed. Younger respondents describe their health as better, but in some older generations a relatively positive perception of health persists despite higher prevalence of chronic conditions.
Discussion
The health dimension presents a characteristic "dual picture" of Czech health: on one hand, a high rate of physical activity and relatively good subjective health assessment; on the other, a persisting burden of chronic illness, overweight, stress and harmful habits.
The fact that almost half the population exercises at least three times a week represents significant capital for future health and resilience. At the same time, physical activity is not evenly distributed — low levels of movement among less educated and economically vulnerable groups create potential for deepening inequalities.
Conclusion
Czech physical health represents a mix of strengths and clear vulnerabilities. Czechs are largely physically active and most rate their health as good — these indicators create a solid foundation for individual resilience. At the same time, social inequalities remain prominent: lower education, lower income or unemployment are associated with less physical activity, more smoking and poorer subjective health assessment.
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