I'm the first person in my family to ever try it (I'm only car-light, by the way). My wife's family has been car-free for more than 10 years, but that's due to some odd philosophies and poverty over preference.
Honestly, I'm probably the most active member of my family. I'd say that over the last 2 generations that's true. I can't speak for those born before the car. We come from a long line of farmers. Thus, they probably had a more active life than the current generation.