Materia Medica Malaysiana

Chinese women live longer than other groups

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese women live longer than others in Malaysia. They can expect to live up to 82 compared to 77 for men and around 79 for other women.

Doctors and health professionals are not surprised by the figures from the National Statistics Department.

Malaysian Chinese women are generally more health conscious, said Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the human development programme in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

'The Chinese are relatively more conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle,' he noted.

The president of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, Dr Rajbans Singh, also believed this theory.

He said: 'Based on my own observation, the 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 believes that more Malaysian Chinese than Malaysians in the other ethnic groups go for regular medical check-ups and are physically active.

Still, he said that although people are living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, their quality of life is 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 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.'

Madam Kong Sok Cheng, 83, is one of them. She does not have a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.

Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, has been watching her diet and health after seeing family members and close friends suffer diseases such as cancer. -- New Straits Times