It takes conscious effort to break this pattern, and I see otherwise healthy and fit people default to the escalators and elevators every day, people driving short (walkable/cycleable) distances to buy groceries and just a general avoidance of physical activity.

And I live in Copenhagen, so it's not like I don't see tons of people walking and riding bicycles, but a significant number of people seem to really want to avoid any sort of physical activity.

Making a promise to yourself to take the stairs, walk/cycle to the shops, park at the far end of the parking lot, walk up the escalators rather than just standing still, do all of those small things that add up and don't even feel like exercise, could be the best decision you make.