Headline: Chinese women live longer
Date :04/05/2004
Page :07
Byline :By Nurjehan Mohamed; R.S. Kamini
Type : News
KUALA LUMPUR, Mon. - Chinese women live longer than others in Malaysia, with many going beyond the magical 80 mark.
This fact was noted by the National Statistics Department. It noted that Chinese women had a life expectancy of 82 years.
The life span of Malaysians, in general, is over the age of 77 for men and over 79 for women.
Doctors and health professionals interviewed said that the findings were not surprising since Chinese women were generally more health-conscious.
Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the Human Development Programme of the School of Psychology and Human Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said that the Chinese community was generally more health-conscious than their ethnic groups.
"I find that the Chinese are relatively conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle," he said.
President of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society Dr Rajbans Singh also sees the truth in this theory.
"Based on my own observation, Chinese in general are the most health-conscious group - they are very particular about their health, and are active from young to old age."
He said that unlike people from other races, the Chinese went for regular check-ups and were involved in physical activity.
Still, he said that although people were living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, the quality of life was not improving.
"There is an increase in the number of people suffering from stroke, cancer, heart diseases and who are generally more immobile in their old age," he said.
Malaysian Medical Association member Datin Dr Jayanthi Krishnan said the Chinese community was more hardworking, especially the older generation.
"The older people are more conscious about their health compared to others and tend to exercise, eat healthily and pursue healthy lifestyles," she said.
Kong Sok Cheng is a member of this club. The 83-year-old has never had a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.
Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, is following this pattern. After reaching age 30 she became careful about her diet and lifestyle after seeing her family members and close friends suffer from diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
"I try to limit my carbohydrate intake and eat more vegetables and drink more water," she said, adding that she also took health supplements.
Though she does not exercise as much as she would like to, caring for her two young sons keeps her active, and she tries to keep herself occupied with the occasional swim and some cycling.
"I treat myself to occasional spa visits and reflexology and body massages to keep myself fresh and healthy," she added.
Her commitment to religious activities also help to keep her stress level down.
She agreed to a certain extent that women should always have something to look forward to in life. She felt that the endurance, capacity and perseverance of women helped them live longer.
"Even after I retire, I am not going to settle down immediately," she said.
(END)
This fact was noted by the National Statistics Department. It noted that Chinese women had a life expectancy of 82 years.
The life span of Malaysians, in general, is over the age of 77 for men and over 79 for women.
Doctors and health professionals interviewed said that the findings were not surprising since Chinese women were generally more health-conscious.
Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the Human Development Programme of the School of Psychology and Human Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said that the Chinese community was generally more health-conscious than their ethnic groups.
"I find that the Chinese are relatively conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle," he said.
President of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society Dr Rajbans Singh also sees the truth in this theory.
"Based on my own observation, Chinese in general are the most health-conscious group - they are very particular about their health, and are active from young to old age."
He said that unlike people from other races, the Chinese went for regular check-ups and were involved in physical activity.
Still, he said that although people were living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, the quality of life was not improving.
"There is an increase in the number of people suffering from stroke, cancer, heart diseases and who are generally more immobile in their old age," he said.
Malaysian Medical Association member Datin Dr Jayanthi Krishnan said the Chinese community was more hardworking, especially the older generation.
"The older people are more conscious about their health compared to others and tend to exercise, eat healthily and pursue healthy lifestyles," she said.
Kong Sok Cheng is a member of this club. The 83-year-old has never had a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.
Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, is following this pattern. After reaching age 30 she became careful about her diet and lifestyle after seeing her family members and close friends suffer from diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
"I try to limit my carbohydrate intake and eat more vegetables and drink more water," she said, adding that she also took health supplements.
Though she does not exercise as much as she would like to, caring for her two young sons keeps her active, and she tries to keep herself occupied with the occasional swim and some cycling.
"I treat myself to occasional spa visits and reflexology and body massages to keep myself fresh and healthy," she added.
Her commitment to religious activities also help to keep her stress level down.
She agreed to a certain extent that women should always have something to look forward to in life. She felt that the endurance, capacity and perseverance of women helped them live longer.
"Even after I retire, I am not going to settle down immediately," she said.
(END)
posted by FiShY~FiSh @ 7:29 PM
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